Multiports and other devices having connection ports with securing features and methods of making the same

ABSTRACT

Devices such as multiports comprising connection ports with associated securing features and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a shell, at least one connection port, at least one securing feature passageway, and at least one securing feature. The at least one connection port is disposed on the multiport with the at least one connection port comprising an optical connector opening extending from an outer surface of the multiport to a cavity of the multiport and defining a connection port passageway. The at least one securing feature is associated with the connection port passageway, and the at least one securing feature is disposed within a portion of the at least one securing feature passageway.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/662,165, filed on Oct. 24, 2019, which is a continuation ofInternational Application No. PCT/US2017/064092 filed Nov. 30, 2017,which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Application No. 62/526,011,filed on Jun. 28, 2017, U.S. Application No. 62/526,018, filed on Jun.28, 2017, and U.S. Application No. 62/526,195, filed on Jun. 28, 2017,the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by referencein entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure is directed to devices providing at least one opticalconnection port along with methods for making the same. Morespecifically, the disclosure is directed to devices such as multiportscomprising a keyed-connection port and a securing feature associatedwith the connection port for securing an optical connector along withmethods of making the same.

Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications,including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and datatransmission. As bandwidth demands increase optical fiber is migratingdeeper into communication networks such as in fiber to the premisesapplications such as FTTx, 5G and the like. As optical fiber extendeddeeper into communication networks the need for making robust opticalconnections in outdoor applications in a quick and easy manner wasapparent. To address this need for making quick, reliable, and robustoptical connections in communication networks hardened fiber opticconnectors such as the OptiTap® plug connector were developed.

Multiports were also developed for making an optical connection withhardened connectors such as the OptiTap. Prior art multiports have aplurality of receptacles mounted through a wall of the housing forprotecting an indoor connector inside the housing that makes an opticalconnection to the external hardened connector of the branch or dropcable.

Illustratively, FIG. 1 shows a conventional fiber optic multiport 1having an input fiber optic cable 4 carrying one or more optical fibersto indoor-type connectors inside a housing 3. The multiport 1 receivesthe optical fibers into housing 3 and distributes the optical fibers toreceptacles 7 for connection with a hardened connector. The receptacles7 are separate assemblies attached through a wall of housing 3 of themultiport 1. The receptacles 7 allow mating with hardened connectorsattached to drop or branching cables (not shown) such as drop cables for“fiber-to-the-home” applications. During use, optical signals passthrough the branch cables, to and from the fiber optic cable 4 by way ofthe optical connections at the receptacles 7 of multiport 1. Fiber opticcable 4 may also be terminated with a fiber optic connector 5.Multiports 1 allowed quick and easy deployment for optical networks.

Although, the housing 3 of the prior art multiport 1 is rugged andweatherable for outdoor deployments, the housings 3 of multiport 1 arerelatively bulky for mounting multiple receptacles 7 for the hardenedconnector on the housing 3. Receptacles 7 allow an optical connectionbetween the hardened connector such as the OptiTap male plug connectoron the branch cable with a non-hardened connector such as the SCconnector disposed within the housing 3, which provides a suitabletransition from an outdoor space to an protected space inside thehousing 3.

Receptacle 7 for the OptiTap connector is described in further detail inU.S. Pat. No. 6,579,014. As depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,014, thereceptacle includes a receptacle housing and an adapter sleeve disposedtherein. Thus, the receptacles for the hardened connector are large andbulky and require a great deal of surface array when arranged in anarray on the housing 3 such as shown with multiport 1. Further,conventional hardened connectors use a separate threaded or bayonetcoupling that requires rotation about the longitudinal axis of theconnector and room for grabbing and rotating the coupling by hand whenmounted in an array on the housing 3.

Consequently, the housing 3 of the multiport 1 is excessively bulky. Forexample, the multiport 1 may be too boxy and inflexible to effectivelyoperate in smaller storage spaces, such as the underground pits orvaults that may already be crowded. Furthermore, having all of thereceptacles 7 on the housing 3, as shown in FIG. 1 , requires sufficientroom for the drop or branch cables attached to the hardened connectorsattached to the multiport 1. While pits can be widened and largerstorage containers can be used, such solutions tend to be costly andtime-consuming. Network operators may desire other deploymentapplications for multiports 1 such as aerial, in a pedestal or mountedon a façade of a building that are not ideal for the prior artmultiports 1 for numerous reasons such as congested poles or spaces orfor aesthetic concerns.

Other multiports designs have been commercialized to address thedrawbacks of the prior art multiports depicted in FIG. 1 . By way ofexplanation, US 2015/0268434 discloses multiports 1′ having one or moreconnection ports 9 positioned on the end of extensions 8 that projectfrom the housing of the multiport 1′ such as depicted in FIG. 2 .Connection ports 9 of multiport 1′ are configured for mating directlywith a hardened connector (not shown) such as an OptiTap without theneed to protect the receptacle 7 within a housing like the prior artmultiport 1 of FIG. 1 .

Although, these types of multiport designs such as shown in FIG. 2 anddisclosed in US 2015/0268434 allow the device to have smaller footprintsfor the housing 3′, these designs still have concerns such as the spaceconsumed by the relatively large ports 9 and associated spacerequirements of optical connections between the ports and hardenedconnector of the drop cables along with organizational challenges.Simply stated, the ports 9 on the extensions 8 of the multiport 1′ andthe optical connections between ports 9 and hardened connector occupysignificant space at a location a short distance away from the multiporthousing 3′ such as within a buried vault or disposed on a pole. In otherwords, a cluster of optical ports 9 of multiport 1′ are bulky or occupylimited space. The conventional hardened connectors used with multiport1′ also use a separate threaded or bayonet coupling that requiresrotation about the longitudinal axis of the connector along withsufficient space for grabbing and rotating the coupling means by hand.Further, there are aesthetic concerns with the prior art multiports 1′as well.

Consequently, there exists an unresolved need for multiports that allowflexibility for the network operators to quickly and easily make opticalconnections in their optical network while also addressing concernsrelated to limited space, organization, or aesthetics.

SUMMARY

The disclosure is directed to devices comprising at least one connectionport and a securing feature associated with the connection port. Devicesthat may use the concepts disclosed herein include multiports, closuresor wireless devices. Methods of making the devices are also disclosed.The devices can have any suitable construction such as disclosed hereinsuch a connection port that is keyed for inhibiting a non-compliantconnector from being inserted and potentially causing damage to thedevice.

One aspect of the disclosure is directed to devices or multiportscomprising a shell, at least one connection port, at least one securingfeature passageway, and at least one securing feature. The at least oneconnection port is disposed on the multiport with the at least oneconnection port comprising an optical connector opening extending froman outer surface of the multiport to a cavity of the multiport anddefining a connection port passageway. The at least one securing featureis associated with the connection port passageway, where the at leastone securing feature is disposed within a portion of the at least onesecuring feature passageway.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to devices or multiportscomprising a shell, at least one connection port, at least one securingfeature passageway, at least one securing feature, and at least onesecuring feature resilient member for biasing a portion of the at leastone securing feature. The at least one connection port is disposed onthe multiport with the at least one connection port comprising anoptical connector opening extending from an outer surface of themultiport to a cavity of the multiport and defining a connection portpassageway. The at least one securing feature is associated with theconnection port passageway, where the at least one securing feature isdisposed within a portion of the at least one securing featurepassageway.

Still another aspect of the disclosure is directed to devices ormultiports comprising a shell, at least one connection port, at leastone securing feature passageway, at least one securing feature. The atleast one connection port is disposed on the multiport with the at leastone connection port comprising an optical connector opening extendingfrom an outer surface of the multiport to a cavity of the multiport anddefining a connection port passageway. The at least one securing featureis associated with the connection port passageway, where the at leastone securing feature is disposed within a portion of the at least onesecuring feature passageway, and the at least one securing feature iscapable of translating within a portion of the at least one securingfeature passageway.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to devices ormultiports comprising a shell, at least one connection port, at leastone securing feature passageway, at least one securing feature. The atleast one connection port is disposed on the multiport with the at leastone connection port comprising an optical connector opening extendingfrom an outer surface of the multiport to a cavity of the multiport anddefining a connection port passageway. The at least one securing featureis associated with the connection port passageway, and the at least onesecuring feature comprises a bore, where the at least one securingfeature is disposed within a portion of the at least one securingfeature passageway, and the at least one securing feature is capable oftranslating within a portion of the at least one securing featurepassageway.

A further aspect of the disclosure is directed to devices or multiportscomprising a shell, at least one connection port, at least one securingfeature passageway, at least one securing feature. The at least oneconnection port is disposed on the multiport with the at least oneconnection port comprising an optical connector opening extending froman outer surface of the multiport to a cavity of the multiport anddefining a connection port passageway. The at least one securing featureis associated with the connection port passageway, and the at least onesecuring feature comprises a bore, where the at least one securingfeature is disposed within a portion of the at least one securingfeature passageway, and the at least one securing feature is capable oftranslating within a portion of the at least one securing featurepassageway wherein the at least one securing feature translates from aretain position to an open position as a suitable fiber optic connectoris inserted into the at least one connection port.

Still another aspect of the disclosure is directed to devices ormultiports comprising a shell, at least one connection port, at leastone securing feature passageway, at least one securing feature. The atleast one connection port is disposed on the multiport with the at leastone connection port comprising an optical connector opening extendingfrom an outer surface of the multiport to a cavity of the multiport anddefining a connection port passageway. The at least one securing featureis associated with the connection port passageway, and the at least onesecuring feature comprises a bore and a locking feature, where the atleast one securing feature is disposed within a portion of the at leastone securing feature passageway, and the at least one securing featureis capable of translating within a portion of the at least one securingfeature passageway wherein the at least one securing feature translatesfrom a retain position to an open position as a suitable fiber opticconnector is inserted into the at least one connection port.

Other aspects of the disclosure are directed to devices or multiportscomprising a shell, at least one connection port, at least one securingfeature passageway, at least one securing feature. The at least oneconnection port is disposed on the multiport with the at least oneconnection port comprising an optical connector opening extending froman outer surface of the multiport to a cavity of the multiport anddefining a connection port passageway. The at least one securing featureis associated with the connection port passageway, and the at least onesecuring feature comprises a locking member and an actuator, where theat least one securing feature is disposed within a portion of the atleast one securing feature passageway, and the at least one securingfeature translates from a retain position to an open position as asuitable fiber optic connector is inserted into the at least oneconnection port.

A still further aspect of the disclosure is directed to a wirelessdevice comprising a shell, at least one connection port, at least onesecuring feature passageway, at least one securing feature. The at leastone connection port is disposed on the wireless device, the at least oneconnection port comprising an optical connector opening extending froman outer surface of the wireless device into a cavity of the wirelessdevice and defining a connection port passageway. The at least onesecuring feature is associated with the connection port passageway, andthe at least one securing feature comprises a locking member and anactuator, where the at least one securing feature is disposed within aportion of the at least one securing feature passageway. The connectionport of the wireless device may also comprise other features, structuresor components as disclosed herein.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing thesame as described herein, including the detailed description thatfollows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description present embodiments that are intendedto provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature andcharacter of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included toprovide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporatedinto and constitute a part of this specification. The drawingsillustrate various embodiments and together with the description serveto explain the principles and operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 and 2 are prior art multiports;

FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively depict top and bottom perspective views ofan assembled device such as a multiport comprising at least oneconnection port defined by a respective optical connector openingdisposed in a connection port insert of the multiport along with asecuring feature associated with the connection port passageway;

FIG. 3C depicts a partially exploded view of another device such as amultiport comprising at least one connection port defined by an opticalconnector opening disposed in a connection port insert of the multiportalong with a securing feature associated with the connection portpassageway;

FIGS. 3D-3F depict various assembly views showing the connection portinsert of the multiport of FIG. 3C;

FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively depict top and bottom perspective views ofan assembled device such as a multiport comprising at least oneconnection port defined by a respective optical connector openingdisposed in a shell of the multiport along with a securing featureassociated with the connection port passageway;

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom perspective view of the representative multiportof FIGS. 4A and 4B with a portion of the shell opened for showing theinternal construction of the multiport with one rear (internal)connector shown and the optical fibers removed for clarity;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the multiport of FIG. 5 with aportion of the shell removed and a plurality of rear connectors and theoptical fibers shown;

FIG. 7 is a partially exploded view of the multiport of FIG. 5 showingone of the rear connectors removed from the adapter and having theoptical fibers removed for clarity;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a input tether that may be secured atan input connection port of devices;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a device comprising the input tethersecured at the input connection port;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of themultiport of FIG. 5 depicting the connection port with an associatedsecuring feature;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of themultiport of FIG. 5 depicting an optical connector disposed in theconnection port and retained by the securing feature;

FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multiport of FIG. 5taken through the securing features with a rear optical connectordisposed in one of the optical connection ports;

FIG. 11 is a detailed transverse cross-sectional view of the multiportof FIG. 5 showing a securing feature passageway with a securing featuredisposed therein and an adjacent securing feature passageway without asecuring feature disposed therein;

FIGS. 12-14 are various perspective views of the securing features ofthe multiport of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the shell of the multiport ofFIG. 5 comprising a first portion and a second portion;

FIGS. 16-18 are various views of a first portion of the shell of FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the securing feature being installedinto the securing feature passageway of the shell of the multiport ofFIG. 5 ;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an adapter being installed into theshell of the multiport of FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of theoptical connection port of FIG. 16 shown upside down with the rearconnector removed from the adapter;

FIG. 22 depicts the adapters disposed within a portion of the shell ofthe multiport of FIG. 5 and being secured in place by an adapterretainer;

FIG. 23 is a partially exploded view showing one type of rear connectorremoved from the adapter along with the alignment sleeve retainer andthe ferrule sleeve;

FIG. 23A is an assembled sectional view showing the rear connector ofFIG. 23 attached to the adapter along with the ferrule sleeve retainerand the ferrule sleeve installed for aligning mating ferrules;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the rear connector of FIG. 23 with theferrule sleeve retainer and ferrule sleeve aligned on the rearconnector;

FIGS. 24A-24D depict various views of another construction for the rearconnector that is received in the adapter and may be used with theconcepts disclosed;

FIGS. 24E and 24F depict various views of yet another arrangement forthe rear connector that is received directly into a portion of the shellthat may be used with the concepts disclosed;

FIGS. 24G-24I depict various views of still another construction for therear connector that is received directly into a portion of the shellthat may be used with the concepts disclosed;

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of theoptical connection port of FIG. 16 with the rear connector attached tothe adapter;

FIG. 26 is a partial assembled view of components within the firstportion of the shell of FIG. 16 with the rear connector attached and aplurality of securing feature resilient members positioned on respectivesecuring features;

FIGS. 27 and 28 depict perspective views of another explanatory devicesuch as a multiport comprising at least one connection port defined byan optical connector opening disposed in a shell of the multiport forreceiving one or more fiber optic connectors according to the conceptsdisclosed;

FIGS. 28A-28E are respective assembled and partially explodedperspective views of a device similar to the device of FIGS. 27 and 28 ,and comprising a connection port insert having at least one connectionport defined by an optical connector opening and a securing featureassociated with the connection port according to concepts disclosed;

FIG. 29 depicts a bottom perspective view of the multiport of FIGS. 27and 28 with an open shell for showing the internal construction of themultiport with the rear (internal) connector and the optical fibersremoved for clarity;

FIG. 30 is a partially exploded view of the multiport of FIGS. 27 and 28showing one of the rear connectors removed from the adapter and havingthe optical fibers removed for clarity;

FIGS. 31 and 32 are longitudinal cross-sectional views of the multiportof FIGS. 27 and 28 take along the connection port in the verticaldirection for showing assembly details of the securing featurerespectively in an inverted position and an upright position with aportion of the shell removed;

FIG. 33 is a longitudinal vertical cross-sectional view of the multiportof FIGS. 27 and 28 with an optical connector disposed and retainedwithin the connection port by the securing feature;

FIG. 34 is a detailed transverse cross-sectional view of the multiportof FIGS. 27 and 28 taken through the securing features for showingdetails of the construction;

FIG. 35 is a detailed horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view ofthe securing feature of the multiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 retaining afiber optic connector within the connection port passageway;

FIG. 36 is a detailed perspective view of the securing features of themultiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 removed from the shell with a fiber opticconnector being retained by one of the securing features cooperatingwith the locking feature of the connector;

FIGS. 37-39 are various perspective views of the actuator of thesecuring feature assembly of the multiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 ;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the securing member blank for formingthe securing member of the securing feature of FIGS. 41-43 ;

FIGS. 41-43 are various perspective views showing an explanatorysecuring member for the securing feature assembly of FIGS. 27 and 28showing details of the same;

FIGS. 44 and 45 are bottom and top perspective views showing the opticalfiber guide configured as a tray of FIGS. 27 and 28 ;

FIG. 46 is a bottom perspective view of a first portion of the shell ofthe multiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 ;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the second portion of the shell of themultiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 ;

FIGS. 48 and 49 respectively are partially exploded and assembled viewsof an explanatory securing feature sub-assembly for the securingmembers;

FIG. 50 depicts the components of securing features being installed intothe first portion of the shell of FIG. 46 ;

FIGS. 51 and 52 respectively are perspective view and a sectional viewshowing an optical fiber guide being installed into the first portion ofthe shell of the multiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 ;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a plurality of adapters and an adapterretainer being aligned for installation into the first portion of theshell of the multiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 ;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the plurality of adapters and anadapter retainer assembled into the first portion of the shell of themultiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 ;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the second portion of the shell beingaligned with the first portion of the shell of the multiport of FIGS. 27and 28 with the rear connectors and optical fibers removed for clarity;

FIG. 56 is a detailed perspective view showing details of theinterlocking features between the first portion and the second portionof the shell of the multiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 ;

FIGS. 57-60 depict perspective views for another securing featurecomprising more than one component for devices according to the conceptsdisclosed along with a suitable housing for a fiber optic connectorhaving an integral locking feature that cooperates with the securingfeature;

FIGS. 61 and 62 are perspective views of the securing feature andconnector housing for the fiber optic connector of FIGS. 57-60 asdisposed in a device;

FIGS. 63-65 depict perspective views for yet another securing featurecomprising more than one component for devices according to the conceptsdisclosed along with a suitable connector housing for a fiber opticconnector having an integral locking feature that cooperates with thesecuring feature;

FIGS. 66-68 depict perspective views of yet another securing featurecomprising more than one component for devices according to the conceptsdisclosed along with a suitable connector housing for a fiber opticconnector having an integral locking feature that cooperates with thesecuring member;

FIG. 69 is a sectional view showing the securing feature and connectorhousing of the fiber optic connector of FIG. 68 disposed in a device;

FIGS. 70-72 depict perspective views of yet another securing featurecomprising more than one component for devices according to the conceptsdisclosed;

FIG. 73 is a sectional view of a further securing feature showing thatthe securing feature may be arranged at any suitable angle relative to alongitudinal axis of the connector port;

FIG. 74 depicts a device with the actuator of the securing featuredisposed in a horizontal direction that is generally aligned with thelongitudinal axis of the connection port;

FIG. 74A is a perspective view of another securing feature constructionwithout the multiport removed and securing the connector for showing theactuator of the securing feature of a device arranged in a directionthat is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the connectionport;

FIG. 74B are perspective views of the securing feature of FIG. 74A beingplaced into a device;

FIGS. 75-82 are various views depicting the device of FIG. 74 with theactuator of the securing feature arranged in a direction that isgenerally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the connector port;

FIG. 83 is a top view of another device such as a multiport havingconnection ports disposed on both a first end and a second end of thedevice;

FIGS. 84-88 are various views of another device having connection portsdisposed in stacked rows according to the concepts disclosed;

FIGS. 89-91 are various views of still another device having connectionports disposed in stacked rows that are offset according to the conceptsdisclosed;

FIGS. 92-96 are various views of still another device having connectionports disposed in stacked rows that are offset and arranged on an angledsurface according to the concepts disclosed;

FIGS. 97 and 98 are perspective views of a first cover that may be usedwith the devices disclosed herein;

FIGS. 99-101 are perspective views of a second cover that cooperateswith a bracket that may be used with the devices disclosed herein;

FIG. 102 is a perspective view of a wireless device comprising at leastone connector port and a securing member according to the conceptsdisclosed herein; and

FIG. 103 is a perspective view of a closure comprising at least oneconnector port and a securing member according to the concepts disclosedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of thedisclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used torefer to like components or parts.

The concepts for the devices disclosed herein are suitable for providingat least one optical connection to a device for indoor, outdoor or otherenvironments as desired. Generally speaking, the devices disclosed andexplained in the exemplary embodiments are multiports, but the conceptsdisclosed may be used with any suitable device as appropriate. As usedherein, the term “multiport” means any device comprising at least oneconnection port for making an optical connection and a securing featureassociated with the at least one connection port. By way of example, themultiport may be any suitable device having at least one opticalconnection such as a passive device like an optical closure (hereinafter“closure”) or an active device such as a wireless device havingelectronics for transmitting or receiving a signal.

The concepts disclosed advantageously allow compact form-factors fordevices such as multiports comprising at least one connection port andthe securing feature associated with the connection port. The conceptsare scalable to many connection ports on a device in a variety ofarrangements or constructions. The securing features disclosed hereinfor devices engage directly with a portion of connector withoutconventional structures like prior art devices that require the turningof a coupling nut, bayonet or the like. As used herein, “securingfeature” excludes threads and features that cooperate with bayonets on aconnector. Thus, the devices disclosed may allow connection port to beclosely spaced and may result in small devices since the room need forturning a threaded coupling nut or bayonet is not necessary. The compactform-factors may allow the placement of the devices in tight spaces inindoor, outdoor, buried, aerial, industrial or other applications whileproviding at least one connection port that is advantageous for a robustand reliable optical connection in a removable and replaceable manner.The disclosed devices may also be aesthetically pleasing and provideorganization for the optical connections in manner that the prior artmultiports cannot provide.

The devices disclosed are simple and elegant in their designs. Thedevices disclosed comprise at least one connection port and a securingfeature associated with the connection port that is suitable forretaining an external fiber optic connector received by the connectionport. Unlike prior art multiports, the concepts disclosed advantageouslyallow the quick and easy connection and retention by inserting the fiberoptic connectors directly into the connection port of the device withoutthe need or space considerations for turning a threaded coupling nut orbayonet for retaining the external fiber optic connector. Generallyspeaking, the securing features disclosed for use with devices hereinmay comprise one or more components with at least one componenttranslating for releasing or securing the external fiber optic connectorto the device. As used herein, the term “securing feature” excludesthreaded portions or features for securing a bayonet disposed on aconnector.

Since the connector footprint used with the devices disclosed does notrequire the bulkiness of a coupling nut or bayonet, the fiber opticconnectors used with the devices disclosed herein may be significantlysmaller than conventional connectors used with prior art multiports.Moreover, the present concepts for connection ports on devices allows anincreased density of connection ports per volume of the shell sincethere is no need for accessing and turning the coupling nut or bayonetsby hand for securing a fiber optic connector like the prior artmultiports.

The devices disclosed comprise a securing feature for directly engagingwith a suitable portion of a connector housing of the external fiberoptic connector or the like for securing an optical connection with thedevice. Different variations of the concepts are discussed in furtherdetail below. The structure for securing the fiber optic connectors inthe devices disclosed allows much smaller footprints for both thedevices and the fiber optic connectors along with a quick-connectfeature. Devices may also have a dense spacing of connection ports ifdesired. The devices disclosed advantageously allow a relatively denseand organized array of connection ports in a relatively smallform-factor while still being rugged for demanding environments. Asoptical networks increase densifications and space is at a premium, therobust and small-form factors for devices such as multiports, closuresand wireless devices disclosed herein becomes increasingly desirable fornetwork operators.

The concepts disclosed herein are suitable for optical distributionnetworks such as for Fiber-to-the-Home applications, but are equallyapplicable to other optical applications as well including indoor,automotive, industrial, wireless, or other suitable applications.Additionally, the concepts disclosed may be used with any suitable fiberoptic connector footprint that cooperates with the securing feature ofthe device. Various designs, constructions, or features for devices aredisclosed in more detail as discussed herein and may be modified orvaried as desired. In one variation, the connection port may have akeying portion for inhibiting the insertion of non-compliant connectorsthat may damage the device.

The devices disclosed may locate the at least one connection port 236 indifferent portions or components of the device as desired. FIGS. 3A and3B respectively depict top and bottom perspective view of explanatorymultiports 200 comprising at least one connection port 236 disposed on aconnection port insert 230 for making optical connections. Generallyspeaking, when assembled a portion of the connection port insert 230 isdisposed within a shell 210. FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively depict top andbottom perspective views of other explanatory multiports 200 comprisingat least one connection port 236 being a portion of a shell of thedevice. By way of explanation, at least one connection ports 236 ismolded as a portion of shell 210. Although, these concepts are describedwith respect to multiports the concepts may be used with any othersuitable devices such as wireless devices (FIG. 102 ), closures (FIG.103 ) or other suitable devices.

Generally speaking, devices such as multiport 200 comprise a shell 210comprising a body 232 and one or more connection ports 236 disposed on afirst end or portion 212 of multiport 200. The connection ports 236 areconfigured for receiving and retaining external fiber optic connectors10 such as shown in FIG. 3A for making optical connections with themultiport 200. Connection ports 236 each comprises a respective opticalconnector opening 238 extending from an outer surface 234 of themultiport 200 into a cavity 216 of the multiport 200 and defining aconnection port passageway 233. At least one securing feature 310 isassociated with the connection port passageway 233 for cooperating withthe external fiber optic connector 10. The securing feature maytranslate for releasing or securing the external fiber optic connector10. One or more respective securing feature passageways 245 such asshown in FIG. 3C, FIG. 7 or FIG. 32 extend from the outer surface 234 ofmultiport 200 to a portion of the respective connection port passageways233 of the multiport 200. Respective securing features 310 areassociated with the connection port passageways 233 and may be disposedwithin a portion of the securing feature passageway 245 of the multiport200.

Optical connections to the devices are made by inserting one or moresuitable external fiber optic connectors 10 into respective connectionport passageways 233 as desired. Specifically, the connection portpassageway 233 is configured for receiving a suitable external fiberoptic connector 10 (hereinafter connector) of a fiber optic cableassembly 100 (hereinafter cable assembly). Connection port passageway233 is associated with a securing feature 310 for retaining (e.g.,securing) connector 10 in the multiport 200. The securing feature 310advantageously allows the user to make a quick and easy opticalconnection at the connection port 236 of multiport 200. The securingfeature 310 may operate for providing a connector release feature whenactuated.

Specifically, the connector 10 may be retained within the respectiveconnection port 236 of the device by pushing and fully-seating theconnector 10 within the connection port 236. To release the connector 10from the respective connection port 236, the securing feature 310 isactuated releasing the securing feature from the connector housing andallow the connector to be removed from the connection port 236. Statedanother way, the at least one securing feature 310 is capable ofreleasing the connector 10 when translating within a portion of asecuring feature passageway 245. The full insertion and automaticretention of the connector 10 may advantageously allow one-handedinstallation of the connector 10 by merely pushing the connector intothe connection port 236. The devices disclosed accomplish this connectorretention feature upon full-insertion by biasing the securing feature toa retain position. However, other modes of operation for retaining andreleasing the connector 10 are possible according to the conceptsdisclosed. For instance, the securing feature 310 may be designed torequire actuation for inserting the connector 10; however, this mayrequire a two-handed operation.

Securing feature 310 may be designed for holding a minimum pull-outforce for connector 10. In some embodiments, the pull-out force may beselected to release the connector 10 before damage is done to the deviceor the connector 10. By way of example, the securing feature 310associated with the connection port 236 may require a pull-out force ofabout 50 pounds (about 220 N) before the connector 10 would release.Likewise, the securing feature 310 may provide a side pull-out force forconnector 10 for inhibiting damage as well. By way of example, thesecuring feature 310 associated with the connection port 236 may providea side pull-out force of about 25 pounds (about 110 N) before theconnector 10 would release. Of course, other pull-out forces such as 75pounds (about 330 N) or 100 (about 440 N) pounds are possible along withother side pull-out forces.

The securing features 310 disclosed herein may take many differentconstructions or configurations. By way of explanation, securingfeatures 310 may be formed from a single component as shown in FIG. 3Cor a plurality of components as shown in FIG. 30 . Furthermore, thesecuring features 310 or portions of securing features 310 may beconstructed as sub-assemblies such as shown in FIG. 50 for easy assemblyof multiple securing features 310 or other design considerations.

Devices such as multiports 200, wireless devices 500 (FIG. 102 ), orclosures 700 (FIG. 103 ) can have different constructions for securingfeatures, shells, rear connectors, input ports, splitters, keyingportions for connection ports, tethers, electronics or componentsaccording to the concepts disclosed herein. Generally speaking, thedevices comprise at least one connection port 236 defined by an opticalconnector opening 238 extending into a cavity of the device 200, 500,700 along with a securing feature 310 associated with the connectionport 236.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a device where the one or more connection ports236 and the one or more securing feature passageways 245 are a portionof a connector port insert 230. Connector port insert 230 is at leastpartially inserted into shell 210 as represented by the dashed line.Specifically, the dashed line represents a parting line PL between theconnector port insert 230 and the shell 210. Shell 210 may take manydifferent forms as disclosed herein as well. Other devices may have theone or more connection ports 236 and the one or more securing featurepassageways 245 formed as a portion of the shell 210, instead of beingat least partially inserted into shell as an assembly.

FIG. 3C is a partially exploded view of another device 200 similar tothe multiport 200 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3C depicts the multiport 200comprising at least one connection port 236 disposed on the multiport200 with the connection port 236 defined by an optical connector opening238 extending from an outer surface 234 of the multiport 200 into acavity 216 of the multiport 200 and defining a connection portpassageway 233. Multiport 200 also comprises at least one securingfeature 310 associated with the connection port passageway 233.Connection port insert 230 also comprises at least one securing featurepassageway 245 for receiving the securing feature 310. As depicted inFIG. 3F, the securing feature passageways 245 extend from the outersurface 234 of multiport 200 to the respective connection portpassageways 233 of the multiport 200. Multiport 200 of FIG. 3C comprisesa shell 210 with a portion of the connection port insert 230 sized forfitting into a first opening of the shell 210 that leads to a cavity216. Multiport 200 of FIG. 3C also comprises a plurality of adapters230A for receiving respective rear connectors 252 in alignment with therespective connection port 236. In this embodiment, a plurality ofsecuring feature locking members 310LM are used retaining the securingfeatures 310 in the securing feature passageway 245 as best shown inFIG. 3F. The multiport 200 may also comprise a fiber tray (not numbered)for routing and organizing the optical fibers. The fiber tray inhibitsdamage to optical fibers and also provides a location for the mountingof other components such as splitters, electronics or the like. Thefiber tray shown in FIG. 3C attaches to one or more slots formed in aretainer 240, which is used for securing adapters to the connection portinsert 230.

FIG. 3D shows an assembly comprising the connection port insert 230 withsecuring features 310 installed and the rear connectors 252 attached andFIG. 3E shows a cross-section through the connection port passageway233. The optical fibers 250 have been removed from rear connectors 252of FIGS. 3C and 3D for clarity. As depicted, the assembly has thesecuring features 310 associated with each connection port passageway233 disposed within a portion of the securing feature passageway 245. Inthis embodiment, the securing feature 310 is a push-button actuatorformed as a single component.

As shown in FIG. 3E, securing feature 310 is biased to a retainposition. Specifically, the securing feature 310 is biased in an upwarddirection using a securing feature resilient member 310R, which isdisposed within the connection port insert 230 below the securingfeature 310. Consequently, securing feature 310 is capable oftranslating within a portion of the securing feature passageway 245. Asdepicted, a sealing feature 310S is disposed on the securing feature310. Sealing feature 310S provides a seal between the securing feature310 and the securing feature passageway 245 to inhibit dirt, dust anddebris from entering the device.

Multiport 200 of FIG. 3C also comprises at least one adapter 230Aaligned with the respective connection port 236. Adapter 230A issuitable for securing a rear connector 252 thereto for aligning the rearconnector 252 with the connection port 236. One or more optical fibers252 (not shown) may be routed from the connection port 236 toward aninput connection port 260 of the multiport 200. For instance, the rearconnector 252 may terminate the optical fiber 250 for optical connectionat connection port 236 and route the optical fiber 250 to the inputconnection port 260. In this embodiment, adapters 230A are secured toconnection port insert 230 using retainer 240. Adapters 230A may bebiased using a resilient member 230RM as shown. Rear connectors 252 maytake any suitable form and be aligned and secured with the connectionports 236 in any suitable manner. As used herein, “input connectionport” is the location where external optical fibers are received orenter the device, and the input connection port does not require theability to make an optical connection.

In this embodiment, the securing feature 310 comprises a bore 310B thatis aligned with the least one connection port passageway 233 whenassembled as shown in FIG. 3E. Bore 310B is sized for receiving asuitable connector 10 therethrough for securing the same for opticalconnectivity. Bores or openings through the securing feature 310 mayhave any suitable shape or geometry for cooperating with its respectiveconnector. As used herein, the bore may have any suitable shape desiredincluding features on the surface of the bore for engaging with aconnector.

In some embodiments, the securing feature 310 is capable of moving to anopen position when inserting a suitable connector 10 into the connectionport passageway 233. When the connector 10 is fully-inserted into theconnector port passageway 233, the securing feature 310 is capable ofmoving to the retain position automatically. Consequently, the connector10 is secured within the connection port 236 by securing feature 310without turning a coupling nut or a bayonet like the prior artmultiports. Stated another way, the securing feature 310 translates fromthe retain position to an open position as a suitable connector 10 isinserted into the connection port 236. The securing feature passageway245 is arranged transversely to a longitudinal axis LA of the multiport200, but other arrangements are possible. Other securing features mayoperate in a similar manner, but use an opening instead of a bore thatreceives the connector therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 3E, securing feature 310 comprises a locking feature310L. Locking feature 310L cooperates with a portion of the connector 10when it is fully-inserted into the connection port 236 for securing thesame. Specifically, the connector housing 20 of connector 10 may have acooperating geometry that engages the locking feature 310L of securingfeature 310. In this embodiment, locking feature 310L comprises a ramp(not numbered). The ramp is integrally formed at a portion of the bore310B with the ramp angling up when looking into the connection port 236.The ramp allows the connector 10 to push and translate the securingfeature 310 downward against the securing feature resilient member 310Ras the connector 10 is inserted in the connection port 236 as shown.Ramp may have any suitable geometry. Once the locking feature 310L ofthe securing feature 310 is aligned with the cooperating geometry of thelocking feature 20L of connector 10, then the securing feature 310translates so that the locking feature 310L engages the locking feature20L of connector 10. FIGS. 8 and 9 depict a similar securing feature 310illustrating the concepts with and without a connector 20.

Locking feature 310L comprises a retention surface 310RS. In thisembodiment, the back-side of the ramp of locking feature 310L forms aledge that cooperates with complimentary geometry on the connectorhousing 20 of connector 10. However, retention surface 310RS may havedifferent surfaces or edges that cooperate for securing connector 10 forcreating the desired mechanical retention. For instance, the retentionsurface 310RS may be canted or have a vertical wall for tailoring thepull-out force for the connection port 236. However, other geometriesare possible for the retention surface 310RS. Additionally, theconnection port 236 has a sealing location at a connection portpassageway sealing surface 233SS with the connector 10 that is locatedcloser to the optical connector opening 238 at the outer surface 234than the securing feature 310 or locking feature 310L. Illustratively,connection port 236 has connection port passageway sealing surface 233CSfor the connector 10 disposed at a distance D3 from the opticalconnector opening 238 and the locking feature 310L and securing feature310 are disposed at a distance further into the connection portpassageway 233 than distance D3.

Other types of securing members 310 disclosed herein may operate in asimilar manner for securing connector 10, but comprise more than onecomponent such as an actuator 310A that cooperates with a securingmember 310M such as disclosed herein. Additionally, the use of more thanone component allows other arrangements for the securing featurepassageway 245 relative to a longitudinal axis LA of the device.

The connection port insert 230 comprises a body having a front face FFand a plurality of connection ports 236. Each connection port 236 has anoptical connector opening 238 extending from the front face FF into theconnection port insert 230 with a connection port passageway 233extending through part of the connection port insert 230 to a rear faceRF (not visible) of the connection port insert 230. Connection portinsert 230 is sized so that at least a portion of the connection portinsert 230 fits into a first opening of the shell 210 such as shown inFIG. 28E. The sealing location of the connector port insert 230 with theshell (210) comprises a sealing surface (233SS) disposed a firstdistance (D1) inward from the outer surface (234) of the device anddisposed on a portion of connection port passageway 233. The adapters230A align the rear connectors 252 at a connector mating position MPdisposed inward from the outer surface (234) of the multiport at adistance D2, where the second distance (D2) is greater that the firstdistance (D1). Additionally, the connection port insert 230 may compriseone or more components or include a feature for sealing with the shell210 for making the multiport weatherproof. However, the devices could bemade to be re-enterable if desired.

In more detail, connection port inserts 230 may also comprise a sealinglocation 230SL for providing a surface and location for making aweatherproof attachment to shell 210. Sealing location may be disposedat a first distance D1 from the front face 234 of the connector portinsert 230. Sealing location is a disposed at a suitable distance D1 forproviding a suitable seal with the shell 210. Connection port inserts230 also have a connector mating plane 230MP disposed at a seconddistance D2 from the front face 234. The connector mating plane 230MP isdisposed within the cavity of the shell 210 of the multiport forprotecting the connector mating interface. In some particularembodiments, the connector port insert 230 comprises a sealing location230SL disposed at a first distance D1 from the front face 234 and theconnector mating position 230MP is disposed at the second distance D2from the front face 234 with the second distance D2 being greater thanthe first distance D1.

The sealing location 230SL may comprise a sealing element 290 disposedbetween the connection port insert 230 and the shell 210. The sealinglocations 230SL may comprise respective grooves in the connector portinsert 230 or end cap 280 if used. Grooves may extend about theperimeter of the connection port insert 230 and are located atrespective distances D1 from the front face 234 of the connection portinsert 230 and end cap 280. Grooves may receive one or moreappropriately sized O-rings or gaskets 290A for weatherproofingmultiport 200. The O-rings are suitably sized for creating a sealbetween the connector port insert 230 and the shell 210. By way ofexample, suitable O-rings may be a compression O-ring for maintaining aweatherproof seal. Other embodiments may use an adhesive or suitablewelding of the materials for sealing the device.

Variations of multiports 200 depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C are possible aswell. For instance, the multiports depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C can haveother features or constructions using a second insert 230′ that issimilar to the connection port insert 230. For instance, the secondinsert 230′ comprises a body 232 having a front face 234 comprising aplurality of connection ports 236 having an optical connector portopening 238 like the connection port insert 230. Second inserts 230′ canhave other configurations as well for use with the multiports disclosedherein.

Other embodiments are possible that do not use a connection port insertas described. By way of explanation, the one or more connector ports 230and the one or more securing feature passageways 245 are a portion ofthe shell 210. Illustratively, FIGS. 4A and 4B depict multiport 200comprising a shell 210 comprising a body 232 with one or more connectionports 236 disposed on a first end or portion 212 with each connectionport 236 comprising a respective optical connector opening 238. Theoptical connector openings extend from an outer surface 234 of shell 210of the multiport 200 into a cavity 216 and define a connection portpassageway 233. One or more respective securing feature passageways 245extend from the outer surface 234 of the shell 210 to a portion of therespective connection port passageways 233. A plurality of securityfeatures 310 are associated with the respective plurality of connectionport passageways 233 and at least a portion of the securing features aredisposed within a portion of respective securing feature passageways245. Moreover, the multiports 200 disclosed may have any suitable numberof connection ports 236, input connection ports 260 or the like usingthe concepts disclosed.

For the sake of brevity, the concepts will be illustrated and describedin more detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, but itis understood that the structure or features disposed in the shell 210may also be disposed in the connection port insert 230 depicted in FIGS.3A and 3B as appropriate. Further, multiports according the conceptsdisclosed may have any suitable number of ports as desired along withsuitable optical fiber distribution, pass-throughs, or like.

FIGS. 5-7 depict various views of multiport 200 of FIGS. 4A and 4B forexplaining the concepts and the features may be used with othermultiport designs as appropriate or modified with other concepts asappropriate or discussed herein. FIGS. 8 and 9 are longitudinalcross-sectional views respectively depicting the optical connection port236 of the multiport 200 of FIGS. 4A and 4B with and without a connector10 retained therein. FIGS. 10 and 11 are transverse cross-sectionalviews of the multiport 200 of FIGS. 4A and 4B taken through the securingfeatures 310.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom perspective view of a representative multiport200 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. As depicted in this embodiment, shell 210 isformed by a first portion 210A and a second portion 210B. FIG. 5 showsthe second portion 210B of shell 210 removed from the first portion 210Afor showing the internal construction of multiport 200. Multiport 200 isdepicted with only one rear (internal) connector 252 shown and theoptical fibers 250 removed for clarity purposes in FIG. 5 .

Optical fibers 250 are routed from one or more of the plurality ofconnection ports 236 toward an input connection port 260 for opticalcommunication within the multiport 200. Consequently, the inputconnection port 260 receives one or more optical fibers and then routesthe optical signals as desired such as passing the signal through 1:1distribution, routing through an optical splitter or passing opticalfibers through the multiport. Optical splitters 275 (hereinafter“splitter(s)”) such as shown in FIG. 6 allow a single optical signal tobe split into multiple signals such as 1×N split, but other splitterarrangements are possible such as a 2×N split. For instance, a singleoptical fiber may feed input connection port 260 and use a 1×8 splitterwithin the multiport 200 to allow eight connector ports 236 for outputson the multiport 200. The input connection port 260 may be configured inan suitable manner with any of the multiports 200 disclosed herein asappropriate such as a single-fiber or multi-fiber port. Likewise, theconnection ports 236 may be configured as a single-fiber port ormulti-fiber port. For the sake of simplicity and clarity in thedrawings, all of the optical fiber pathways may not be illustrated orportions of the optical fiber pathways may be removed in places so thatother details of the design are visible.

FIG. 6 shows multiport 200 of FIG. 5 with the rear connectors 252 andoptical fibers 250 routing through splitter 275 and FIG. 7 is apartially exploded view of FIG. 5 . Multiport 200 has one or moreoptical fibers 250 routed from the one or more connection ports 236toward an input connection port 260 in a suitable fashion inside cavity216. As best shown in FIG. 9 , inside the cavity 216 of multiport 200one or more optical fibers 250 are aligned with the respectiveconnection ports 236 for making an optical connection with connector 10.As shown, connector 10 comprises a connector housing 20 that has anO-ring 65 that cooperates with sealing location of the connector port236 at a distance D3, which is located closer to the optical connectoropening 238 than securing feature 310.

Although only one rear connector 252 is shown in FIG. 5 , a plurality ofrear connectors 252 (see FIG. 6 ) are aligned with the respectiveconnector port passageways 233 from the rear portion 237 of connectionport passageway 233 within the cavity 216 of the multiport 200. The rearconnectors 252 are associated with one or more of the plurality ofoptical fibers 250. Each of the respective rear connectors 252 alignsand attaches to a structure such as the adapter 230A or other structureat the rear portion 237 of the connection port passageway 233 in asuitable matter. The plurality of rear connectors 252 may comprise asuitable rear connector ferrule 252F as desired and rear connectors 252may take any suitable form from a simple ferrule that attaches to astandard connector type inserted into an adapter. By way of example,rear connectors 252 may comprise a resilient member for biasing the rearconnector ferrule 252F or not. Additionally, rear connectors 252 mayfurther comprise a keying feature.

In multiport 200 of FIG. 6 , a single input optical fiber of the inputconnection port 260 is routed to a 1:4 splitter 275 and then each one ofthe individual optical fibers 250 from the splitter is routed to each ofthe respective four connection ports 236 for optical connection andcommunication within the multiport. Input connection port 260 may beconfigured in any suitable configuration for the multiports disclosed asdesired for the given application. Examples of input connection ports260 include being configured as a single-fiber input connection, amulti-fiber input connector, a tether input that may be a stubbed cableor terminated with a connector or even one of the connection ports 236may function as an pass-through connection port as desired.

By way of explanation for multi-fiber ports, two or more optical fibers250 may be routed from one or more of the plurality of connection ports236 of the multiport 200 of FIG. 5 . For instance, two optical fibersmay be routed from each of the four connection ports 236 of multiport200 toward the input connection port 260 with or without a splitter suchas single-fiber input connection port 260 using a 1:8 splitter or byusing an eight-fiber connection at the input connection port 260 for a1:1 fiber distribution. To make identification of the connection portsor input connection port(s) easier for the user, a marking indicia maybe used such as text or color-coding of multiport or marking the inputtether (e.g. an orange or green polymer) or the like.

Other configurations are possible besides an input connection port 260that receives a connector 10 such as a tether cable that extends fromthe input port. Instead of using a input connection port that receives aconnector 10, multiports 200 may be configured for receiving an inputtether 270 attached to the multiport such as represented in FIG. 7 .

FIG. 7A depicts an example of input tether 270 removed from a device.Input tether 270 has optical fibers 250 that enter the multiport 200 andare terminated with to rear connectors 252 for making an opticalconnection at the connection port 236. FIG. 7B is a perspective view ofa representative multiport 200 having the input tether 270 secured atthe input connection port 260. In this embodiment, there is no securingfeature for the input connection port 260. However, other embodimentsmay retain the securing feature and secure the input tether 270 frominside the device.

If used, input tether 270 may terminate the other end with a fiber opticconnector 278 as depicted or be a stubbed cable as desired. Forinstance, connector 278 may be an OptiTip® connector for opticalconnection to previously installed distribution cables; however, othersuitable single-fiber or multi-fiber connectors may be used forterminating the input tether 270 as desired. Input tether 270 may besecured to the multiport 200 in any suitable manner such as adhesive, acollar or crimp, heat shrink or combinations of the same. The inputtether 270 may also have stubbed optical fibers for splicing in thefield if desired, instead of the connector 278.

Furthermore, the input tether 270 may further comprise a furcation bodythat has a portion that fits into the multiport 200 at the input port ofthe shell 210 or the connection port insert 230 such as into the opticalconnector opening 238 or bore 260B of the input connection port 260, butthe furcation body may be disposed within the shell 210 if desired. Thefurcation body is a portion of the input tether that transitions theoptical fibers 250 to individual fibers for routing within the cavity216 of the shell 210 to the respective connector ports. As an example, aribbon may be used for insertion into the back end of the ferrule offiber optic connector 278 and then be routed through the input tether270 to the furcation body where the optical fibers are then separatedout into individual optical fibers 250. From the furcation body theoptical fibers 250 may be protected with a buffer layer or not insidethe cavity 216 of the multiport 200 and then terminated on rearconnector 252 as desired.

The input tether 270 may be assembled with the rear connectors 252and/or fiber optic connector 278 in a separate operation from theassembly of multiport 200 if the rear connectors 252 fit through theinput port. Thereafter, the rear connectors 252 may be individuallythreaded through a bore 260B of the input connection port 260 of themultiport or connection port insert 230 with the appropriate routing ofthe optical fiber slack and then have the rear connectors 252 attachedto the appropriate structure for optical communication with theconnection port passageways 233 of the multiport 200. The furcation bodymay also be secured to the connection port insert in the manner desired.By way of explanation, the input tether may be secured to shell 210 orconnection port insert 230 using a collar that fits into a cradle. Thisattachment of the input tether using collar and cradle provides improvedpull-out strength and aids in manufacturing; however, otherconstructions are possible for securing the input tether.

Generally speaking, the connection port passageways 233 may beconfigured for the specific connector 10 intended to be received in theconnection port 236. Moreover, the connection port passageways 233 maybe configured to provide a weatherproof seal with connector 10 or dustcap 295 for inhibiting dust, dirt, debris or moisture from entering themultiport 200 at a connection port passageway sealing surface 233SS (seeFIG. 9 ). Likewise, the connection port passageways 233 should beconfigured for receiving the specific rear connector 252 from the rearportion 237 for mating and making an optical connection with theconnector 10.

Regarding the different embodiments, the shell 210 or connection portinsert 230 may be configured as a monolithic (e.g., integral) componentfor making the optical connection between the rear connectors 252 andthe external connectors 10 of cable assembly 100; however, otherembodiments are possible according to the concepts disclosed that usemultiple components. In one variation, the multiports 200 may comprise aplurality of adapters 230A that are integrally-formed with the shell 210or connection port insert 230. In other variations, the shell 210 orconnection port insert 230 may be configured to secure one or moreadapters 230A thereto as separate components or assemblies. In eithervariation, the adapters 230A are aligned with the plurality ofconnection ports 236. Consequently, optical fibers of the connectors 10are suitably aligned with the optical fibers 250 disposed within themultiport for optical communication therebetween.

Moreover, the adapters 230A may “float” relative to the shell 210 orconnection port insert 230. “Float” means that the adapter 230A can haveslight movement in the X-Y plane for alignment, and may be inhibitedfrom over-traveling in the Z-direction along the axis of connectorinsertion so that suitable alignment may be made between matingconnectors, which may include a biasing spring for allowing somedisplacement of the adapter 230A with a suitable restoring forceprovided by the spring.

Simply stated, the forces should be balanced between the both sides ofthese types of mated optical connections otherwise there may be concernswith one side of the mated connection over-traveling beyond its desiredlocation, which may lead to optical performance issues especially if theconnection experiences several matings and uses a floating ferrulesleeve for alignment. This over-travel condition typically is not ofconcern for mated connections where only side of the connection may bedisplaced and the other side is fixed. An example of both sides of themated optical connection being able to be displaced occurs when bothconnectors have ferrules that are biased and mated within a ferrulesleeve such as when a SC connector is mated with a connector 10 asdepicted in FIG. 9 . Other embodiments could have an adapter sleeve thatis biased instead of the rear connector ferrule being biased, whichwould result in a similar concern regarding forces that may result inover-travel conditions that could impact optical performance.

By way of explanation, multiports 200 that mate a rear connector 252such as a SC with connector 10 that has a SC ferrule that is biasedforward should have a spring force in connector 10 that mitigatesconcerns when mated within a ferrule sleeve or use a connector that hasa fixed ferrule for mitigating concerns. The spring force for connector10 should be selected to be in a range to overcome sleeve friction andthe spring force of the rear connector 10. By way of explanation, whenthe rear connector 252 is first inserted into the adapter 230A ofconnection port insert 230, the ferrule 252F of the rear connector 252contacts the ferrule sleeve 230FS and may displace the ferrule sleeve230FS to extreme position on the right before the ferrule sleeve 230FShits a physical stop in the adapter and the ferrule 252F is insertedinto the ferrule sleeve 230FS. Thus, when the connector 10 is laterinserted into the connector port 236 of the multiport it would behelpful for the ferrule to push the ferrule sleeve 230FS from an extremeposition in the adapter if it was displaced. Consequently, the springselected for biasing the ferrule of connector 10 may be selected toovercome the sum of initial friction along with the insertion frictionto move the ferrule sleeve 230FS, thereby inhibiting the ferrule sleeve230FS from being displaced to a maximum position due to the rearconnector 252 being inserted first.

The construction of multiport 200 of FIG. 5 having securing feature 310is discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 8-11 , and similardetails are applicable to multiports 200 using a connection insert 230such as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 8 depicts a longitudinalsectional view show securing feature 310 disposed within a portion ofsecuring feature passageway 245 along with the rear connector 252attached at the rear portion 237 of the connection port 236 of multiport200 and FIG. 9 depicts connector 10 of cable assembly 100 inserted intoconnection port 236 and retained by securing feature 310.

The rear connector 252 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 has a SC footprint, butother connectors are possible. If SC connectors are used as the rearconnector 252 they have a keying feature 252K that cooperates with thekeying feature of adapter 230A. Additionally, adapters 230A comprise aretention feature (not numbered) for seating the adapters 230A in thedevice adjacent to the connection port passageway 233. In thisembodiment, the retention feature is configured to cooperate with aplurality of saddles 210D for receiving and seating adapters 230A.Adapters 230A may be secured to the shell 210A or connection port insert230 using an adapter retainer 240. Adapters 230A may comprise latch armsfor securing respective rear connectors therein. In other embodiments,adapters 230A may be ganged together or formed from several components,but some adapters or portions thereof could be integrally formed withthe multiport as well.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the connector mating plane 230MP between theferrule of the rear connector 252 and ferrule of connector 10 isdisposed within the cavity 216 multiport 200 for protecting theconnector mating interface. Connector 10 comprises at least one O-ring65 for sealing with the connector port passageway 233 at a sealingsurface 233SS when the connector 10 is fully inserted into theconnection port 236. Moreover, connector 10 includes a locking feature20L on the housing 20 for cooperating with a securing feature 310 ofmultiport 200.

Multiports 200 may also comprise a keying feature 236K that is disposedrearward of the securing feature 310 (i.e., deeper into the connectionport passageway 233) for aligning and mating connector 10, for instance,connection port 236 or input connector port 260 may include a keyway orkey such as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 . Keying feature 236K is disposedon the connector mating plane 230MP side of the securing feature 310.

Multiport may also have a keying portion 233KP disposed on the opticalconnector opening 238 side of the securing feature 310. Keying portion233KP inhibits the insertion of a non-compliant connector intoconnection port 236, thereby inhibiting damage that may be caused to thedevice. Keying portion 233KP may be a protrusion or additive featuredisposed within the connection port passageway 233 on the opticalconnector opening 238 side of the securing feature 310 and may takeseveral different configuration if used. For instance, keying portion233KP may be a simple protrusion or may take the shape of a D-shapedopening to allow only a suitable connector 10 having a complimentaryfeature to be inserted into the connection port 236. The keying portion233KP may also aid with blind mating a connector 10 into the connectionport 236 since it only allows further insertion into the connection port236 when the connector is in the proper rotational orientation.

As best shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , multiport 200 of FIG. 5 comprises atleast one securing feature resilient member 310R for biasing the atleast one securing feature 310. FIGS. 12-14 show various perspectivedetailed views of securing feature 310. In this embodiment, securingfeatures 310 may translate in a vertical direction as represented by thearrow in FIG. 8 for retaining and releasing connector 10 and acts as anactuator. As depicted, the resilient member 310R is disposed below thesecuring feature 310 in the securing feature passageway 245 for biasingthe securing feature 310 upwards to a normally retained position (RP).Securing feature 310 further includes a locking feature 310L. Lockingfeature 310L is configured for engaging with a suitable locking portion20L on the housing 20 of connector 10.

In this embodiment, securing feature 310 comprise a bore 310B that isrespectively aligned with the respective connector port passageway 233as shown in FIG. 8 when assembled. The bore 310B is sized for receivinga portion of connector 10 therethrough as shown in FIG. 9 . As depictedin this embodiment, locking feature 310L is disposed within bore 310B.As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , locking feature 310L is configured asramp 310RP that runs to a short flat portion, then to a ledge thatreverts to a round cross-section for creating the retention surface310RS for engaging and retaining the connector 10 once it isfully-inserted into the connector port passageway 233 of the connectionport 236. Consequently, the securing feature 310 is capable of moving toan open position (OP) when inserting a suitable connector 10 into theconnector port passageway 233 since the connector housing 20 engages theramp 310RP pushing the securing feature downward during insertion.

The securing feature 310 translates from a retain position (RP) to anopen position (OP) as a suitable connector 10 is inserted into theconnection port 236. Once connector 10 is fully inserted into connectorpassageway 233, then the securing feature 310 automatically moves to theretain position (RP) since it is biased upwards to the retain position.This advantageously allows a plug and play connectivity of theconnectors 10 with multiport 200 without having to turn a coupling nutor a bayonet like conventional multiports. Thus, connections to themultiport may be made faster and in positions that may be awkward withrelative ease.

Securing feature 310 may also comprise other features as best depictedin FIGS. 12-14 . For instance, securing feature 310 may include asealing member 310S disposed above the connector port passageway 233 forkeeping dirt, debris and the like out of portions of the multiport 200.Sealing member 310S is sized for the retention groove 310RG in thesecuring feature 310 and the securing feature passageway 245 forsealing.

Sealing member 310 may also comprises one or more guides 310G thatcooperate with the shell 210 or connection port insert 230 for keepingthe bore 310B in the proper rotational orientation within the respectivesecuring feature passageway 245 during translation. In this embodiment,two guides 310G are arranged about 180 degrees apart and guide thetranslation of the securing feature 310. Securing feature 310 may alsocomprise one or more keys 310K that cooperate with the shell 210 orconnection port insert 230 for only allowing one assembly orientationinto the shell 210 or connection port insert 230, thereby keeping thelocking feature 310L in the proper position within the respectivesecuring feature passageway 245 with respect to the connector insertiondirection.

Securing feature 310 may also comprise a stop surface 310SS forinhibiting overtravel or the securing feature 310 from being removedfrom the multiport 200 when assembled. In this embodiment, the stopsurface 310SS is disposed as the top surface of guides 310G. Securingfeature 310 may also include a dimple 310G or other feature forinhibiting inadvertent activation/translation of the securing feature310 or allowing a tactical feel for the user. Securing features 310 mayalso be a different color or have a marking indicia for identifying theport type. For instance, the securing features 310 may be colored redfor connection ports 236 and the securing feature 310 for the inputconnection port 260 may be colored black. Other color or marking indiciaschemes may be used for pass-through ports, multi-fiber ports or portsfor split signals.

The rear connector 252 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 has a SC footprint. The SCconnectors used as the rear connector 252 has a keying feature 252K thatcooperates with the keying feature of adapter 230A. Additionally,adapters 230A comprise a retention feature 233A disposed in theconnection port passageway 233 and are configured as latch arms forsecuring a SC connector at the rear portion 237 of connection portinsert 230.

Multiports may also have one or more dust caps (FIG. 7 ) for protectingthe connection port 236 or input connection ports 260 from dust, dirt ordebris entering the multiport or interfering with the opticalperformance. Thus, when the user wishes to make an optical connection tothe multiport, the appropriate dust cap is removed and then connector 10of cable assembly 100 may be inserted into the respective connectionport 236 for making an optical connection to the multiport 200. Dustcaps 295 may use similar release and retain features as the connectors10. By way of explanation, when securing feature 310 is pushed inward ordown, the dust cap 295 is released and may be removed. Dust caps 295 maybe attached to a rail 295R by a tether 295T or singulated as desired.The rail 295R is configured to engage a groove 230DR formed in shell 210or the connection port insert 230. Consequently, the dust caps 295 ofthe multiport 200 are tethered to the multiport 200 so the dust caps 295will not be lost as easily.

FIG. 15 depicts shell 210 of multiport 200 of FIG. 5 and FIGS. 16-18depict various views of the first portion 210A of shell 210 of FIG. 5 .Shells 210 may have any suitable shape, design or configuration asdesired. For instance, the shell 210 of multiport 200 shown in FIG. 15 ,may include a second end 213 comprising one or more connection ports,pass-through ports, or the like as desired. Further, shells 210 maycomprise more than two portions if desired. Likewise, multiple portionsof the shell 210 may comprise connection ports 236.

Any of the multiports 200 disclosed herein may optionally beweatherproof by appropriately sealing seams of the shell 210 or theconnection port insert(s) 230 with the shell 210 using any suitablemeans such as gaskets, O-rings, adhesive, sealant, welding, overmoldingor the like. Moreover, the interface between the connection ports 236and the dust cap or connector 10 may be sealed using appropriategeometry and/or a sealing element such as an O-ring or gasket. Likewise,the input connection port may be weatherproofed in a suitable mannerdepending on the configuration such as a gasket, or O-ring with anoptical connection or a heat shrink, adhesive or the like when using ainput tether. If the multiport 200 is intended for indoor applications,then the weatherproofing may not be required.

Multiport 200 may comprise integrated mounting features. By way ofexample, shell 210 depicts mounting features 210MF disposed near firstand second ends 212,214 of shell 210. Mounting feature 210MF adjacentthe first end 212 is a mounting tab and the mounting feature 210MFadjacent the second end 214 is a through hole. However, mountingfeatures 210MF may be disposed at any suitable location on the shell 210or connection port insert 230. For instance, multiport 200 also depictsa plurality of mounting features 210MF configured as passagewaysdisposed on the lateral sides. Thus, the user may simply use a fastenersuch as a zip-tie threaded thru these lateral passageways for mountingthe multiport 200 to a wall or pole as desired.

Multiport 200 may have the input connection port 260 disposed in anysuitable location. By way of explanation, multiport 200 may have theinput connection port 260 disposed in an outboard position of theconnection port insert 230. However, the input connection port 260 maybe disposed in a medial portion of the multiport if desired.

Additionally, shells 210 may comprise at least one support 210S or fiberguide 210G disposed within cavity 216, thereby providing crush supportfor the multiport and resulting in a robust structure. As best depictedin FIG. 17 , one or more of securing feature passageways 245 arearranged transversely to a longitudinal axis LA of the multiport 200 orshell 210. Multiport may include a fiber tray or fiber guide/supportsthat is a discrete component that may attach to the shell 210 orconnector port insert 230; however, fiber guides may be integrated withthe shell if desires. FIG. 17 shows shell 210 comprising fiber guides210G for organizing and routing optical fibers 250. Fiber guides 210Gmay also act as support 210S for providing crush strength to the shell210 if they have a suitable length.

FIGS. 19-26 depict the assembly of multiport 200 of FIG. 5 . FIGS. 19-26depict the assembly of the multiport 200 of FIG. 5 . FIG. 19 depicts thesecuring feature 310 being aligned for installation into the securingfeature passageway 245 of the first portion 210A of shell 210. Asdepicted, keying features 310K of securing feature 310 are aligned withthe features of the securing feature passageway 245, which only allowassembly in one orientation for the correct orientation of the lockingfeature 310L. FIG. 20 shows adapter 230A being aligned for installedinto the saddle 210D of first portion 210A of shell 210. Once seated,the resilient member 230RM of adapter 230A is abutted against the rearledge 210RL of saddle 210D, thereby compressing the resilient member230RM and providing a suitable forward-biasing force to the adapter 230Aas shown in FIG. 21 . Once all of the adapters 230A are installed intofirst portion 210A, retainer 240 may be secured to first portion 210Afor securing the adapters 230A in place as depicted in FIG. 22 .Retainer 240 may include securing features 240A for a robust assembly,but fasteners or other suitable structure may be used to attach theretainer 240

The devices disclose may use any suitable rear connector 252 for makingan optical connection at the connection port 236. Illustratively, FIG.23 depicts rear connector 252 comprising a ferrule 252F for securing andmating one or more to optical fibers 250 aligned with adapter 230A alongwith other components before being assembled. Rear connector 252 is a SCconnector as known in the art, but any suitable device having a ferruleor other structure for receiving and aligning one or more optical fibers250 from inside the multiport is possible. FIG. 23A is an assembledsectional view showing the rear connector 252 attached to the adapter230A with the ferrule sleeve retainer 230R and the ferrule sleeve 230FSinstalled for aligning mating ferrules.

Resilient member 230RM is disposed over a barrel of adapter 230A andseated on the flange of adapter 230A as depicted. Then, ferrule sleeveretainer 230R and ferrule sleeve 230FS are aligned and disposed betweenconnector 252 the adapter 230A for assembly as shown in FIG. 23 . Inthis embodiment, adapter 230A comprises a plurality of resilient arms230RA comprising securing features 230SF. Securing features 230SFcooperate with protrusions on the housing of rear connector 252 forretaining the rear connector 252 to the adapter 230A with the ferrulesleeve retainer 230R and ferrule sleeve 230FS therebetween. FIG. 23A isa sectional view showing the attachment of the rear connector 252 withthe adapter 230A with ferrule sleeve retainer 230R and the ferrulesleeve 230FS therebetween. Ferrule sleeves 230FS are used for precisionalignment of mating ferrules between rear connectors 252 and connector10. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the rear connector 252 with theferrule sleeve retainer 230R and ferrule sleeve 230FS fitted overferrule 252F before being attached to adapter 230A.

FIGS. 24A-24I depict alternative rear connectors that may be used withdevices disclosed herein. FIGS. 24A-24D depict various views of asimplified construction for the rear connector 252 for use with adapter230A. FIGS. 24A-24D show a simple ferrule 252F comprising protrusions252P that cooperate with securing features 230SF disposed on theresilient arms 230RA of adapter 230A for securing the same. The ferrulesleeve 230FS is disposed between ferrule 252F and the adapter 230A asshown. FIGS. 24E and 24F show rear connector 252 having a ferrule 252Fsuch as an SC connector that cooperates directly with a portion of themultiport such as a shell for securing the same. In this embodiment, therear connector 252 is inserted into a portion of the multiport and theferrule for alignment without a separate adapter. The ferrule sleeve230FS is disposed between rear connector 252 and the multiport structureas shown. As best shown in FIG. 24I, a portion of the rear connector 252is secured in a multiport saddle 210D and secured between the firstportion 210A and the second portion 210B of shell 210 in thisembodiment.

FIGS. 24G-24I depict rear connector 252 having a ferrule 252F and aferrule socket 252FS that holds and aligns the ferrule 252F. This rearconnector cooperates directly with a portion of the multiport such as ashell for securing the same. In this case, the ferrule socket 252FS hasone or more tabs (not numbered) that fit into a portion of the multiportsuch as a first portion 210A of shell 210. The ferrule socket 252FS issecured in a multiport saddle 210D. As best shown in FIG. 24I, theferrule socket 252FS is secured between the first portion 210A and thesecond portion 210B of shell 210.

FIG. 25 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a rear portion of theconnection port 236 of the multiport 200 of FIG. 5 with the rearconnector 252 of FIG. 24 attached to the adapter 230A. FIG. 26 is apartial assembled view of multiport 200 of FIG. 25 showing therespective securing feature resilient members 310R placed on a bottomportion of securing feature 310 within the first portion 210A of theshell 210 before the second portion 210B of shell 210 is attached totrap the securing feature resilient members 310R in place. Securingfeature 310 may have a bottom recess 310BR for seating the securingfeature resilient members 310R and centering the restoring force on thesecuring feature 310 as best shown in FIG. 14 . Thereafter, the secondportion 210B of shell 210 may be attached to the first portion 210A is asuitable fashion using a sealing element 290 or not.

Multiports 200 disclosed with shells 210 and/or connector port inserts230 allow relatively small multiports 200 having a relativelyhigh-density of connections along with an organized arrangement forconnectors 10 attached to the multiports 200. Shells have a given heightH, width W and length L that define a volume for the multiport asdepicted in FIGS. 3A and 4A. By way of example, shells 210 of multiport200 may define a volume of 800 cubic centimeters or less, otherembodiments of shells 210 may define the volume of 400 cubic centimetersor less, other embodiments of shells 210 may define the volume of 100cubic centimeters or less as desired. Some embodiments of multiports 200comprise a connection port insert 230 having a port width density of atleast one connection port 236 per 20 millimeters of width W of themultiport 200. Other port width densities are possible such as 15millimeters of width W of the multiport. Likewise, embodiments ofmultiports 200 may comprise a given density per volume of the shell 210as desired.

The concepts disclosed allow relatively small form-factors formultiports as shown in Table 1. Table 1 below compares representativedimensions, volumes, and normalized volume ratios with respect to theprior art of the shells (i.e., the housings) for multiports having 4, 8and 12 ports as examples of how compact the multiports of the presentapplication are with respect to convention prior art multiports.Specifically, Table 1 compares examples of the conventional prior artmultiports such as depicted in FIG. 1 with multiports having a lineararray of ports. As depicted, the respective volumes of the conventionalprior art multiports of FIG. 1 with the same port count are on the orderof ten times larger than multiports with the same port count asdisclosed herein. By way of example and not limitation, the multiportmay define a volume of 400 cubic centimeters or less for 12-ports, oreven if double the size could define a volume of 800 cubic centimetersor less for 12-ports. Multiports with smaller port counts such as4-ports could be even smaller such as the shell or multiport defining avolume of 200 cubic centimeters or less for 4-ports, or even if doublethe size could define a volume of 100 cubic centimeters or less for4-ports. Devices with sizes that are different will have differentvolumes from the explanatory examples in Table 1 and these othervariations are within the scope of the disclosure. Consequently, it isapparent the size (e.g., volume) of multiports of the presentapplication are much smaller than the conventional prior art multiportsof FIG. 1 . In addition to being significantly smaller, the multiportsof the present application do not have the issues of the conventionalprior art multiports depicted in FIG. 2 . Of course, the examples ofTable 1 are for comparison purposes and other sizes and variations ofmultiports may use the concepts disclosed herein as desired.

One of the reasons that the size of the multiports may be reduced insize with the concepts disclosed herein is that the connectors 10 thatcooperate with the multiports have locking features 20L that areintegrated into the housing 20 of the connectors. In other words, thelocking features for securing connector 10 are integrally formed in thehousing 20 of the connector, instead of being a distinct and separatecomponent like a coupling nut of a conventional hardened connector usedwith conventional multiports. Conventional connectors for multiportshave threaded connections that require finger access for connection anddisconnecting. By eliminating the threaded coupling nut (which is aseparate component that must rotate about the connector) the spacingbetween conventional connectors may be reduced. Also eliminating thededicated coupling nut from the conventional connectors also allows thefootprint of the connectors to be smaller, which also aids in reducingthe size of the multiports disclosed herein.

TABLE 1 Comparison of Conventional Multiport of FIG. 1 with Multiportsof Present Application Dimension Normalized Multiport Port L × W × HVolume Volume Type Count (mm) (cm³) Ratio Prior Art 4 274 × 66 × 73 1320 1.0 FIG. 1 8 312 × 76 × 86  2039 1.0 12  381 × 101 × 147 5657 1.0Linear 4 76 × 59 × 30 134 0.10 8 123 × 109 × 30 402 0.20 12 159 × 159 ×30 758 0.14

Devices may have other constructions for the securing features 310 thatuse more than one component. FIGS. 27 and 28 depict perspective views ofanother explanatory device 200 configured as a multiport that comprisesat least one connection port 236 along with a securing feature 310comprising more than one component. Multiports 200 with securingfeatures having more than one component such as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28may have a construction similar to that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B withthe connection ports 236 being a portion of the connection port insert230 or a construction similar to that shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B with theconnection ports 236 as a portion of shell 210 as desired.

Illustratively, FIGS. 28A-28E depict a device such as multiport 200 thatcomprises connection port insert 230 having at least one connection port236 and FIGS. 29-56 depict device such as multiport 200 comprising aconnection port 236 as a portion of the shell 210 with securing features310 comprising more than one component. The description of these deviceswith the securing feature 310 comprising more than one component willdescribe differences in the designs for the sake of brevity.

Multiports 200 of FIGS. 27 and 28 comprise one or more opticalconnection ports 236 defined by one or more optical connector openings238 disposed in a shell 210 of the multiport 200 for receiving one ormore connectors 10 according to the concepts disclosed. FIG. 27 depictsa connector 10 aligned for insertion into one of the connection ports236 and FIG. 28 depicts a plurality of connectors 10 retained withinrespective connection ports 236. Multiport 200 using securing features310 comprising multiple components may also comprise an input port 260,splitter, tether, or other suitable components or features as desired.

Multiport 200 of FIGS. 27 and 28 is similar to multiport 200 of FIGS. 4Aand 4B, except it uses a securing feature 310 comprising more than onecomponent as shown in FIG. 36 . Likewise, the multiport 200 of FIGS.28A-28E is similar to multiport 200 of FIGS. 3A and 4B, except it uses asecuring feature 310 comprising more than one component as best shown inFIG. 28D. In these embodiments, the securing feature 310 comprises anactuator 310A and a securing feature member 310M. Specifically, securingfeature member 310M comprises an opening may be elastically deformed byactuator 310A (or other structure) when pushed (or upon insertion of asuitable connector 10 into connection port 236) and the securing featuremember 310M springs back to engage a suitable portion of connector 10such as locking feature 20L of connector housing 20 when the actuator310A is released or when connector 10 is fully-seated within theconnection port 236 as will discussed in more detail. The securingmember 310M comprises a locking feature 310L formed by one or more arms310AM.

Thus, the securing feature member 310M of securing feature 310 issuitable for retaining connector 10 in connection port 236 as discussedherein. Various different embodiments are possible for securing features310 comprising more than one component for the devices disclosed.

Multiport 200 of FIGS. 27 and 28 comprise one or more connection ports236 and the one or more securing feature passageways 245 as a portion ofthe shell 210. Likewise, multiports 200 of FIGS. 28A-28E comprises theone or more connection ports 236 and the one or more securing featurepassageways 245 as a portion of the connection port insert 230 asdiscussed herein.

Illustratively, FIGS. 27 and 28 depict multiport 200 comprising a shell210 comprising a body 232 with one or more connection ports 236 disposedon a first end or portion 212 with each connection port 236 comprising arespective optical connector opening 238. The optical connector openings238 extend from an outer surface 234 of shell 210 into a cavity 216 anddefine a connection port passageway 233. One or more respective securingfeature passageways 245 extend from the outer surface 234 of the shell210 to the respective connection port passageways 233. A plurality ofsecurity features 310 are associated with the respective plurality ofconnection port passageways 233 and the plurality of securing features310 are disposed within portions of respective securing featurepassageways 245.

FIGS. 28A-28E are views another multiport 200 comprising connection portinsert 230 that receives an actuator 310A and a securing feature member310M of the securing feature 310 similar to multiport 200 of FIGS. 27and 28 . As best shown in FIGS. 28D and 28E, this embodiment isdifferent in the manner which the securing feature 310M is assembled tothe connection port insert 230 from a rear side and secured with asecuring feature locking member 310LM at the bottom of the securingfeature member 310M. In this embodiment, the securing feature members310M are individually placed into the connection port insert 230 fromthe rear and engage a portion of the actuator 310A for keeping theactuators 310A within the respective securing feature passageways 245.The securing feature 310 of this embodiment further includes a securingfeature resilient member 310R for biasing the actuator 310A. In thisembodiment, the fiber tray 285 may be used as a retainer for securingthe adapters 230A as well.

FIG. 29 depicts a bottom perspective view of multiport 200 of FIGS. 27and 28 . As depicted, shell 210 is formed by a first portion 210A and asecond portion 210B. FIG. 29 shows the second portion 210B of shell 210removed from the first portion 210A for showing the internalconstruction of multiport 200. Multiport 200 is depicted with the rearconnectors 252 and the optical fibers 250 removed for clarity purposesin FIG. 29 .

FIG. 30 is a partially exploded view of the multiport of FIGS. 27 and 28showing a single rear connector 252 and having the optical fibers 250removed for clarity. Rear connectors 252 are aligned and sized forfitting into one or more of the respective connector port passageways233 from the rear portion 237 of passageway 233 within the cavity 216 ofshell 210, and the plurality of rear connectors 252 are associated withone or more of the plurality of optical fibers 250. As discussed, eachof the respective rear connector 252 aligns and attaches to the shell210 from the rear portion 237 in a suitable matter. However, rearconnectors 252 may take any suitable form from a simple ferrule thatattaches to standard connector type inserted into an adapter.

FIGS. 31 and 32 are partial longitudinal cross-sectional viewsrespectively depicting the optical connection port 236 of the multiport200 of FIGS. 27 and 28 without connector 10 retained therein for showingdetails of securing feature 310. FIG. 33 is a longitudinalcross-sectional views of the multiport 200 of FIGS. 27 and 28 withconnector 10 disposed and retained within connection port 236 bysecuring feature 310.

FIG. 34 is a transverse cross-sectional view of a portion of themultiport 200 of FIGS. 27 and 28 taken through the securing features 310showing details of the construction and operation for securing features310 comprising more than one component. FIG. 35 is a detailedlongitudinal horizontal cross-sectional view of the securing feature 310receiving and retaining connector 10 within the connection port 236.Specifically, the arms of the securing member 310M engage a lockingfeature 20L (e.g., a groove) that is integrally-formed on the housing 20of the connector 10. FIG. 36 is a detailed perspective view of thesecuring features of the multiport of FIGS. 27 and 28 removed from theshell with connector 10 being retained by one of the securing features310.

Securing feature 310 comprises actuator 310A and securing member 310M.Securing member 310M comprises an opening between its arms 310AM thatmay be elastically deformed by actuator 310A when translated (i.e.,pushed) or upon insertion of a suitable connector 10 into connectionport 236 by spreading (i.e., translating) the arms of the securingmember 310M outward. When the actuator 310A is released or the connectoris fully-seated within the connection port 236 or input port 260, thearms 310AM of the securing member 310M springs back to engage a suitableportion of connector 10 such as locking feature 20L of connector housing20 or move the actuator 310A to a normal position. The arms 310AM havean edge portion that act as a locking feature 310L for the suitableconnector 10. By way of explanation, the edge portions of arms 310AMengage the locking feature 20L of the connector housing 20 for securingthe connector 20. In order to release the connector 10 from theconnection port 236, the arms 310AM and locking features 310L on thearms 310AM are translated outward.

As best shown in FIG. 34 , actuator 310A comprises a wedge 310W thatpushes into a head end 310H of securing member 310M, thereby elasticallydeflecting the arms 310AM of securing member 310M outward for releasingconnector 10. The securing member 310M or actuators 310A of securingfeature 310 may comprise a variety of different constructions. Likewise,the securing features 310 comprising more than one component may bebiased by a securing feature resilient member 310RM if desired. Forinstance, securing feature resilient member 310RM may bias the actuator310A toward a secure position. In other embodiments, the securingfeature resilient member may bias the securing member 310M.

FIGS. 37-39 are various perspective views of the actuator 310A of thesecuring feature 310 of the multiport 200 shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 .Actuator 310A may include a sealing member 310S disposed above theconnector port passageway 233 for keeping dirt, debris and the like outof portions of the multiport 200. Sealing member 310S is sized for theretention groove 310RG in the actuator 310A and the securing featurepassageway 245 for sealing. Actuator 310A may also be shaped to have oneor more guides 310G that cooperate with the shell 210 or connection portinsert 230 for keeping proper rotational orientation of the wedge 310Wwithin the respective securing feature passageway 245 duringtranslation. In this embodiment, the shape of the flange aids in therotational orientation. Actuator 310A may also comprise a stop surface310SS for inhibiting overtravel or the actuator 310A from being removedfrom the multiport 200 when assembled. Actuator 310A may also be adifferent color or have a marking indicia for identifying the port type.For instance, the actuator 310A may be colored red for connection ports236 and the actuator 310A for the input connection port 260 may becolored black. Other color or marking indicia schemes may be used forpass-through ports, multi-fiber ports or ports for split signals.

FIGS. 40-43 are various views of securing member 310M for explainingdetails of the design. FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the securingmember blank for forming the securing feature 310M depicted in FIGS.41-43 . Securing member 310M may be formed from any suitable materialsuch as a spring steel and have a suitable geometry for retaining aconnector 10. FIGS. 41-43 are various perspective views showing thestructure of securing member 310M. As depicted, securing member 310Mcomprises arms 310AM that define an opening (not numbered) therebetweenalong with a head end 310H formed at the ends of the arms 310AM. Theopening (not numbered) between the arms 310AM is sized for cooperatingwith a suitable connector 10. Arms 310AM may comprise tabs 310T that arecurved for aiding the engagement of the connector 10 with the securingmember 310M upon insertion and allowing a smoother pushing andtranslation of the arms 310AM outward as connector 10 is inserted intoconnection port 236. Likewise, the head end 310H may also be formed witha suitable shape that cooperates with the actuator 310A.

Like the other securing features 310, the securing feature 310 maycomprises more than one component for translating from a retain position(RP) to an open position (OP) as a suitable connector 10 is insertedinto the connection port 236. Once connector 10 is fully-inserted intoconnector passageway 233, then the securing feature 310 automaticallymoves to the retain position (RP) since the arms 310AM are biased to theretain position. This advantageously allows a push and play connectivityof the connectors 10 with multiport 200 without having to turn acoupling nut or a bayonet like conventional multiports. Thus,connections to the multiport may be made faster and in positions thatmay be awkward with relative ease.

The other components of the multiport 200 of FIGS. 27 and 28 are shownand discussed as assembled in FIGS. 44-56 . FIGS. 44 and 45 are bottomand top perspective views showing the optical fiber tray or guide 285that is placed into shell 210A of multiport 200. FIG. 46 is a bottomperspective view of a first portion of the shell of the multiport 200and FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the second portion of the shell ofthe multiport of 200 for showing details.

FIGS. 48 and 49 respectively are partially exploded and assembled viewsof a securing feature sub-assembly 310SA for a portion of the securingfeature 310. As depicted, the securing members 310M may be placed into ahousing formed by one or more housing portions 310HH for maintaining theproper orientation of the securing features. The securing featuresub-assembly 310SA also allows for easier assembly of multiple securingmembers 310M into the devices. Further, the housing portions 310HH mayhave suitable geometry for keeping the securing members in the desiredorientation. FIG. 49 depicts the securing feature sub-assembly 310SAready for placing into the device. FIG. 50 depicts the components ofsecuring feature 310 being installed into the first portion of the shellof FIG. 46 . As depicted, the actuators 310A of the securing featuresare installed into the respective securing feature passageways of theshell 210A with the wedge 310W facing up. Thereafter, the securingfeature sub-assembly 310SA may be placed into a cavity 210C of thesecuring feature passageway formed within shell 210A. Consequently, theactuators 310A are aligned and positioned with respective securingmembers 310M of the securing features.

FIGS. 51-52 show the optical fiber tray or guide 285 being installedinto the first portion of the shell of the multiport 200. The devicesmay also comprises a fiber guide or tray (not numbered) integrated withthe body 232. Fiber tray 285 may include one or more protrusions 285Pthat aid alignment and may also provide strength for the device towithstand any crushing forces. Including supports for multiports 200greatly improves the strength between the opposing walls, and thesupports may be included on other components such as the shell 210 suchas 210P or the integrated in a separate fiber tray such as depicted.Supports or protrusions may also act as fiber routing guides to inhibittight bending or tangling of the optical fibers and aid with slackstorage of optical fibers 250. Other embodiments may also comprises oneor more fiber routing guides 230G or supports 2305.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the adapters 230A and retainer 240being aligned for installation into the first portion 210A of the shell210 and FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the plurality of adapters andan adapter retainer assembled into the first portion 210A of the shell210. FIG. 55 shows the second portion 210B of the shell 210 beingaligned with the first portion 210A of the shell 210 with the rearconnectors 252 and optical fibers 250 removed for clarity. FIG. 56 is adetailed sectional view showing details of the interlocking featuresbetween the first portion 210A and the second portion 210B of the shell210. Specifically, portions of the multiport may have a tongue 210T andgroove 210G construction for alignment or sealing of the device.

Securing features 310 comprising more than one component may havevarious configurations for use with devices disclosed herein. FIGS.57-59 depict perspective views of another securing feature 310comprising securing member 310M for use with an actuator 310A. FIG. 60depicts a suitable connector housing 20 for the securing member 310M ofFIGS. 57-59 . As shown, the connector housing 20 has the locking feature20L disposed forward of the O-ring 65. FIG. 57 is a perspective view ofthe securing member blank for forming the securing member 310M depictedin FIGS. 58 and 59 . FIG. 58 depicts securing member 310M comprisingarms 310AM that define an opening (not numbered) therebetween along witha head end 310H formed at the ends of the arms 310AM. The opening (notnumbered) between the arms 310AM is sized for cooperating with asuitable connector 10. The head end 310H of the arms 310AM have atapered shape for cooperating with the actuator 310A to translate thearms 310AM outward when the actuator 310A translates downward as bestshown in FIG. 59 . FIGS. 61 and 62 are perspective views of the securingfeature 310 cooperating with the connector housing 20 of FIG. 60 . Asdiscussed and depicted, the securing member 310M may be secured in thedevice using locking member 310LM.

FIGS. 63-65 depict perspective views of yet another securing member 310Mfor securing features 310 comprising more than one component along witha suitable connector housing 20 for cooperating with the securingfeature 310. By way of example, FIG. 63 shows securing member 310Mformed from a wire. Like the other securing members 310M, this securingmember 310M comprises arms 310AM that define an opening (not numbered)therebetween along with a head end 310H formed at the ends of the arms310AM. The opening (not numbered) between the arms 310AM is sized forcooperating with a suitable connector 10. When assembled, the head end310H of the arms 310AM are received in a portion of actuator 310A asshown in FIG. 65 . This securing feature 310 may also be biased by aresilient member 310R.

FIGS. 66-68 depict perspective views of yet another securing featurecomprising more than one component. In this embodiment, the securingmember 310M is inverted so that the head end 310H cooperates with aportion of the multiport for translating the arms 310AM compared withother embodiments. More specifically, a portion of the multiport such asconnector port insert of shell comprises a wedge 210W as shown in FIG.69 . FIG. 66 depicts the actuator 310A attached to a base 310B of thesecuring member 310M and the head end 310H disposed on the opposite endand FIG. 67 shows that the base 310B may have aperture for securing theactuator 310A to the securing member 310M. FIG. 68 shows connectorhousing 20 cooperating with the arms 310AM for securing the connector10. This securing feature 310 may also be biased by a resilient member310R as shown. FIG. 69 shows how the head end 310H of securing member310M cooperates with wedge 210W of the multiport for translating thearms 310AM outward when the actuator 310A translates downward.

FIGS. 70-72 depict views of yet another securing feature comprising morethan one component. FIG. 70 is a sectional view of another securingfeature 310 comprising securing member 310M for use with an actuator310A that provides a reduced height compared with other embodiments.This securing member 310M comprises arms 310AM that define an opening(not numbered) therebetween along with a head end 310H formed at theends of the arms 310AM. Head end 310H of this securing member 310M hasthe ends curled in and downward and the actuator 310A positions thewedge 310W further upward into the actuator 310A footprint as shown inFIG. 70 resulting in a construction that has a reduced height andallowing the device to reduce its height as well. FIG. 71 depicts asuitable connector housing 20 for the securing member 310M with theactuator 310A translated to an open position for releasing theconnector. Again, the connector housing 20 has the locking feature 20Ldisposed forward of the groove for the O-ring 65. FIG. 72 shows thenotch 310N that allows the wedge 310W to be incorporated further intothe body of the actuator 310A.

Securing features 310 may have any suitable orientation or constructionfor engaging connectors 10. FIG. 73 is a sectional view of a furthersecuring feature 310 arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinalaxis LA of the connection port 236. As shown, This securing feature 310comprises securing member 310M and actuator 310A disposed in a securingfeature passageway 245 that is angled with respect to the longitudinalaxis LA of the connection port 236. Likewise, connector 10 has aconnector housing 20 with the locking feature 20L that is angled withrespect to the longitudinal axis of the connector. Similar concepts maybe used with as a portion of the shell or the connection port insert aswell as a monolithic securing feature 310.

Other variations are also possible for securing features. FIG. 74depicts a device 200 comprising the actuator 310A of the securingfeature 310 disposed in a horizontal direction with respect to thelongitudinal axis LA of the connection port 236. FIG. 74A is aperspective views showing a securing feature construction without themultiport and securing connector 10. This securing feature 310 comprisesactuator 310A and securing member 310M. This securing member 310comprises bore 310B for receiving the connector 10 therethrough. Bore310B may have any suitable locking feature 310L (not visible) forcooperating with connector 10. Securing member 310M comprises a securingmember push 310P. Securing member push 310P is configured as a ramp fortranslating the securing member 310M as the actuator 310A is translatedtoward the securing member 310M. Actuator 310A comprises a complimentarysurface that cooperates with securing member push 310P. Securing featureresilient member 310RM may bias the actuator. Consequently, the securingmember 310M may translate from a secure position to an open position.This securing feature 310 may have other features as disclosed herein aswell. FIG. 74B depicts the securing feature 310 of FIG. 74A being placedinto the device.

FIGS. 75-82 depict another device such as a multiport 200 similar toFIG. 74 the actuator 310A of the securing feature 310 arranged in adirection that is generally aligned and offset from the longitudinalaxis of the connector port 236. This multiport 200 of FIGS. 75-82 isalso similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 27 and 28 and shown incross-section of the connection port 236 at FIG. 33 since the securingmembers 310M are disposed in a sub-assembly 310SA. Since the actuator310A is generally positioned horizontal with the connection port 236 thesecuring member 310M is modified for cooperating with the differenttranslation direction of the actuator 310A.

Specifically, the wedge 310W of actuator 310A moves in a horizontaldirection as depicted in FIGS. 75 and 77 and the head end 310H moves tothe optical connector opening 238 side of the securing member 310M. Thisembodiment shows the securing members 310M disposed in a securingfeature sub-assembly 310SA that is positioned in a cavity 210C of thesecuring feature passageway 245 formed within shell 210A as shown inFIG. 76 . FIG. 78 depicts first portion 210A of shell 210 from theinside without components installed and FIG. 79 depicts actuators 310Aplaced into a portion of the securing feature passageway 245 of firstportion 210A of shell 210. Actuators 310A may have features as disclosedherein. FIGS. 80 and 81 depict that this embodiment has the securingmember housing 310HH is formed as a single component but may thesecuring member housing 310HH may be formed from multiple components ifdesired. FIG. 82 depicts a perspective view of the securing member 310Mfor this embodiment. Arms 310AM may comprise tabs 310T that are curvedfor aiding the engagement of the connector 10 with the securing member310M upon insertion and allowing a smoother pushing and translation ofthe arms 310AM outward as connector 10 is inserted into connection port236. Likewise, the head end 310H may also be formed with a suitableshape that cooperates with the actuator 310A during translation.

Still other variations of the concepts disclosed are possible toincrease the connector port density or count on devices. FIG. 83 is atop view of another multiport 200 having connection ports 236 (orconnection port passageways 238) associated with securing features thatare disposed on both a first (or portion) end and a second (or portion)end of the device. This concept may be used with devices that use aconnection port insert 230 or connection ports that are formed as aportion of the shell.

Other embodiments with multiple components comprising connection ports236 and associated securing features 310 are also possible according tothe concepts disclosed. FIGS. 84-88 are various views of anothermultiport 200 having connection ports 236 disposed in more than one rowaccording to the concepts disclosed. This multiport 200 comprises twelveconnection ports 236 and one input connection port 260 in a relativelydense arrangement and is advantageous for use where space is at apremium such as in a pedestal. This multiport 200 comprises shell 210comprising two portions 210A,210A′ with portion 210A comprising an inputconnection port 260. Both portions of shell 210 comprise connectionports 236 and features for securing features 310 as disclosed herein.The portions 210A,210A′ of shell 210 comprise a construction similar tothe construction of the multiport 200 of FIGS. 27 and 28 , and which isshown partially exploded in FIG. 30 so details of the construction willnot be repeated for brevity. The portions 210A, 210A′ of shell 210 areconfigured to be secured back-to-back so the open portions of theportions align, thereby forming a common cavity 216 between the portions210A,210A′ of shell 210.

Still other devices and embodiments having multiple componentscomprising connection ports 236 and associated securing features 310 arealso possible according to the concepts disclosed. Illustratively, FIGS.89-91 are various views of multiport 200 comprising connection ports 236disposed in stacked rows and laterally offset in a stair-step fashion.This multiport 200 also comprises twelve connection ports 236 and oneinput connection port 260 in a relatively dense arrangement. Thismultiport 200 has shell 210 comprising first portion 210A, secondportion 210B′, and third portion 210B. Although, the first portion 210Aof shell comprises the input connection port 260, other portions couldcomprise an input connection port as well. Both portions 210A, 210B′ ofshell 210 comprise a connection ports 236 and features for securingfeatures 310 as disclosed herein. First portion 210A and third portion210B sandwich second portion 210B′ of shell 210 therebetween. Theportion 210B′ of shell 210 has a cavity that is open to both first shell210A and third shell 210B. Fiber tray 285 may be used to arrange opticalfibers 250 on both sides for aiding assembly and simplicity. Theportions 210A,210B′ of shell 210 comprise a construction similar to theconstruction of the multiport 200 of FIGS. 27 and 28 for the securingfeatures 310 and connection ports 236 so details of the constructionwill not be repeated again for the sake of brevity.

FIGS. 92-96 are various views of still another device having connectionports 236 disposed in stacked rows that are offset and arranged on anangled surface in a stair-step fashion similar to the device of FIGS.89-91 . This multiport 200 also comprises twelve connection ports 236and one input connection port 260 in a relatively dense arrangement.This multiport 200 has shell 210 comprising first portion 210A, secondportion 210B′, and third portion 210B similar to the shell of FIGS.89-91 . In this embodiment, first portion 210A and second portion 210B′arrange the connection ports 236 on an angled surface. First portion210A and third portion 210B sandwich second portion 210B′ of shell 210therebetween. The portion 210B′ of shell 210 has a cavity that is opento both first shell 210A and third shell 210B as shown in FIG. 93 .FIGS. 94-96 depict perspective views of the first portion 210A and thesecond portion 210B′ of shell 210. The portions 210A,210B′ of shell 210comprise a construction similar to the construction of the multiport 200of FIGS. 27 and 28 for the securing features 310 and connection ports236 so details of the construction will not be repeated again for thesake of brevity.

Devices may include other components such as protectors or covers 200Cfor security purposes or keeping dirt, debris and other contaminantsaway from securing features 310. For instance, the service provider maydesire a security cover for deterring tampering with the multiport 200.Covers may use security fasteners, a locking device that requires asecurity key, or other means for securing the cover. FIGS. 97 and 98 areperspective views of a first cover 200C that may be used with multiports200. This cover 200C cooperates with mounting features 210MF formed onmultiport 200. Specifically, arms (not numbered) of cover 200C engagethe respective mounting features 210MF disposed on the multiport asshown in FIG. 97 . FIG. 98 shows that cover 200C essentially hides thesecuring features 310 when installed. Cover 200C may be secured in anysuitable fashion.

Other cover variations are also possible for multiports 200. FIGS.99-101 are perspective views of a second cover 200C that cooperates witha bracket 200B that may be used multiports 200. This cover 200Ccooperates with bracket 200B as shown in FIG. 99 . FIG. 98 shows bracket200B and when cover 200C is attached to bracket 200B its essentiallyhides the securing features 310. FIG. 101 shows the features on theinside portion of cover 200C that cooperate with the bracket 200B forsecuring the same.

FIG. 102 is a perspective view of a wireless device 500 having a similarconstruction to the concepts disclosed herein and comprising at leastone connector port 236 associated with securing member 310. Wirelessdevice 500 may comprise one or more connection ports 236 disposed onconnection port insert as represented by parting line PL1 or one or moreconnection ports 236 disposed on the portion of shell 210 as representedby parting line 2. Wireless device 500 may have an input port thatincludes power and may have electronics 500E (not visible) disposed within the cavity (not visible) of the device.

Still other devices are possible according to the concepts disclosed.FIG. 103 is a perspective view of a closure 700 comprising at least oneconnector port 236 and associated securing member 310. Like wirelessdevice 500, closure 700 may comprise one or more connection ports 236disposed on connection port insert as represented by parting line PL1 orone or more connection ports 236 disposed on the portion of shell 210 asrepresented by parting line 2. Closure 700 may have one or more inputports or include other components disposed with in the cavity (notvisible) of the device.

The present application also discloses methods for making a device. Onemethod comprises inserting a connection port insert 230 into an opening214 disposed in a first end 212 of an shell 210 so that at least aportion of the connection port insert 230 fits into the opening 212 andis disposed within a cavity 216 of the shell 210; and wherein theconnection port insert 230 comprises a body 232 having a front face 234and at least one connection ports 236 with the connection port 236having an optical connector opening 238 extending from the front face234 into the connection port insert 230 with a connection portpassageway 233 extending through part of the connection port insert to arear portion 237.

Other methods for making devices such as multiports 200 as disclosedherein are also contemplated. One method comprises routing a pluralityof optical fibers 250 from one or more rear portions 237 of a pluralityof connection ports 236 of a connection port insert 230 so that theplurality of optical fibers 250 are available for optical communicationat an input connection port 260 of the connection port insert 230. Theninserting the connection port insert 230 into an opening 214 disposed ina first end 212 of a shell 210 so that at least a portion of theconnection port insert 230 fits into the opening 212 and is disposedwithin a cavity 216 of the shell 210; and wherein the connection portinsert 230 comprises a body 232 having a front face 234 and a pluralityof connection ports 236 with each connector port 236 having an opticalconnector opening 238 extending from the front face 234 into theconnection port insert 230 with a connection port passageway 233extending through part of the connection port insert to the rear portion237.

The methods disclosed may further include installing at least onesecuring feature 310 into a multiport 200 so that the at least onesecuring feature 310 is associated with connection port 236. Thesecuring feature 310 may translate between an open position OP and aclosed position CP. The method may include translating the securingfeature 310 for moving the securing feature 310 to the open position OPand the securing feature 310 is biased to closed position CP.

Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described herein withreference to explanatory embodiments and specific examples thereof, itwill be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art thatother embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/orachieve like results. For instance, the connection port insert may beconfigured as individual sleeves that are inserted into a passageway ofa device, thereby allowing the selection of different configurations ofconnector ports for a device to tailor the device to the desiredexternal connector. All such equivalent embodiments and examples arewithin the spirit and scope of the disclosure and are intended to becovered by the appended claims. It will also be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madeto the concepts disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe same. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover themodifications and variations provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A multiport for making an optical connection, comprising: ashell defining a cavity; at least one connection port disposed on themultiport with the at least one connection port comprising an opticalconnector opening extending from an outer surface of the multiporttoward the cavity of the multiport and defining a connection portpassageway; at least one securing feature passageway; and at least onesecuring feature associated with the connection port passageway, whereinthe at least one securing feature is disposed within a portion of the atleast one securing feature passageway.
 2. The multiport of claim 1,further comprising at least one securing feature resilient member forbiasing a portion of the at least one securing feature.
 3. A multiportfor making an optical connection, comprising: a shell defining a cavity;at least one connection port disposed on the multiport with the at leastone connection port comprising an optical connector opening extendingfrom an outer surface of the multiport toward the cavity of themultiport and defining a connection port passageway; at least onesecuring feature passageway; at least one securing feature associatedwith the connection port passageway, wherein the at least one securingfeature is disposed within a portion of the at least one securingfeature passageway; and at least one securing feature resilient memberfor biasing a portion of the at least one securing feature.
 4. Themultiport of claim 3, wherein the at least one securing feature iscapable of translating within a portion of the at least one securingfeature passageway.
 5. The multiport of claim 3, wherein of the at leastone securing feature is biased to a retain position.
 6. A multiport formaking optical connections, comprising: a shell defining a cavity; atleast one connection port comprising an optical connector openingextending from an outer surface of the multiport toward the cavity anddefining a connection port passageway; at least one securing featurepassageway; and at least one securing feature associated with the atleast one connection port passageway, wherein the at least one securingfeature is disposed within a portion of the securing feature passageway,and the at least one securing feature is capable of translating within aportion of the at least one securing feature passageway.
 7. Themultiport of claim 6, wherein the at least one securing featurecomprises a bore that is aligned with the at least one connection portpassageway.
 8. A multiport for making optical connections, comprising: ashell defining a cavity; at least one connection port comprising anoptical connector opening (238) extending from an outer surface of themultiport toward the cavity and defining a connection port passageway,the connection port passageway comprising a keying portion; at least onesecuring feature passageway; at least one securing feature associatedwith the at least one connection port passageway, and the at least onesecuring feature comprises a bore, wherein the at least one securingfeature is disposed within a portion of the securing feature passageway,and the at least one securing feature is capable of translating within aportion of the at least one securing feature passageway.
 9. Themultiport of claim 8, wherein the at least one securing featuretranslates from a retain position to an open position as a suitablefiber optic connector is inserted into the at least one connection port.10. The multiport of claim 8, wherein the at least one securing featureis capable of releasing a fiber optic connector when translating withina portion of the at least one securing feature passageway.
 11. Themultiport of claim 8, wherein the at least one securing feature iscapable of moving to a retain position automatically when a suitablefiber optic connector is fully-inserted into the at least one connectorport passageway.
 12. The multiport of claim 8, wherein the at least onesecuring feature comprise a locking feature.
 13. The multiport of claim8, wherein the securing feature comprise a locking member and anactuator.
 14. A multiport for making optical connections, comprising: ashell defining a cavity; at least one connection port comprising anoptical connector opening extending from an outer surface of themultiport toward the cavity and defining a connection port passageway; asecuring feature passageway; and at least one securing featureassociated with the at least one connection port passageway, and the atleast one securing feature comprises a bore, wherein the at least onesecuring feature is disposed within a portion of the securing featurepassageway, and the at least one securing feature is capable oftranslating within a portion of the at least one securing featurepassageway wherein the at least one securing feature translates from aretain position to an open position as a suitable fiber optic connectoris inserted into the at least one connection port.
 15. The multiport ofclaim 14, wherein the bore is sized for receiving a suitable fiber opticconnector therethrough.
 16. The multiport of claim 14, wherein the borecomprises a locking feature.
 17. The multiport of claim 14, furthercomprising at least one securing feature resilient member for biasing aportion of the at least one securing feature.
 18. The multiport of claim16, wherein the locking feature comprises a ramp with a ledge.
 19. Themultiport of claim 16, wherein the locking feature comprises a retentionsurface.
 20. A multiport for making optical connections, comprising: ashell defining a cavity; at least one connection port comprising anoptical connector opening extending from an outer surface of themultiport toward the cavity and defining a connection port passageway; asecuring feature passageway; and at least one securing featureassociated with the at least one connection port passageway, and the atleast one securing feature comprises a locking member and an actuator,wherein the at least one securing feature is disposed within a portionof the securing feature passageway, and the at least one securingfeature is capable of translating within a portion of the at least onesecuring feature passageway wherein the at least one securing featuretranslates from a retain position to an open position as a suitablefiber optic connector is inserted into the at least one connection port.21. The multiport of claim 20, wherein the locking member is a portionof a securing feature sub-assembly.
 22. The multiport of 20, wherein theat least one connection port and the at least one securing featurepassageway are a portion of the shell.
 23. The multiport of claim 22,the shell comprises at least a first portion and a second portion. 24.The multiport of claim 20, wherein the at least one connection port andthe at least one securing feature passageway are a portion of aconnection port insert, the connection port insert being sized so that aportion of the connection port insert fits into a first opening of theshell
 25. The multiport of claim 20, at least one optical fiber routedfrom the at least one connection port toward an input connection port ofthe multiport.
 26. The multiport of claim 20, further comprising atleast one adapter aligned with the at least one connection port.
 27. Themultiport of claim 20, wherein the at least one securing featuretranslates from a retain position to an open position as a suitablefiber optic connector is inserted into the at least one connection port.28. The multiport of claim 20, wherein the keying portion comprises amale key.
 29. The multiport claim 20, further comprising a sealingfeature disposed on the at least one securing feature.
 30. The multiportof claim 20, wherein at least a portion of the one securing featurepassageway is arranged transversely to a longitudinal axis of theconnector port passageway.
 31. The multiport of claim 20, wherein atleast a portion of the one securing feature passageway is aligned withand offset from a longitudinal axis of the connector port passageway.32. The multiport of claim 20, further comprising at least one adapteraligned with the at least one connector port passageway.
 33. Themultiport of claim 20, further comprising at least one adapter iscapable of floating relative to the at least one connection portspassageway.
 34. The multiport of claim 20, further comprising at leastone adapter biased by a resilient member.
 35. The multiport claim 33,further comprising a retainer for securing the at least one adapter tothe shell.
 36. The multiport of claim 20, further comprising at leastone rear connector comprising a rear connector ferrule.
 37. Themultiport of claim 36, the at least one rear connector furthercomprising a resilient member for biasing the rear connector ferrule.38. The multiport of claim 20, further comprising at least one rearconnector further comprising a keying feature.
 39. The multiport ofclaim 20, further comprising at least one rear connector having a SCfootprint.
 40. The multiport of claim 20, wherein the multiport isweatherproof.
 41. The multiport of claim 20, further comprising anoptical splitter disposed within the cavity.
 42. The multiport of claim20, further comprising at least one mounting feature for the multiport.43. The multiport claim 20, the multiport comprising at least onepass-through port.
 44. The multiport of claim 20, further comprising aninput connection port configured as a single-fiber input connection or amulti-fiber input connection.
 45. The multiport of claim 20, furthercomprising an input connection port configured as an input tether. 46.The multiport of claim 45, wherein the input tether further comprises afurcation body.
 47. The multiport of claim 45, wherein the input tetheris terminated with a fiber optic connector.
 48. The multiport of claim20, further comprising at least one fiber routing guide or support. 49.The multiport of claim 20, wherein the shell defines a volume of 800cubic centimeters or less.
 50. The multiport of claim 20, wherein themultiport has a port width density of at least one connection port pereach 20 millimeters of width.
 51. The multiport of claim 20, furthercomprising a sealing element.
 52. The multiport of claim 20, furthercomprising a dust cap sized for cooperating with the at least oneoptical connector opening.
 53. The multiport of claim 20, wherein themultiport comprises a marking indicia for the at least one connectionport passageway.
 54. The multiport of claim 20, wherein at least oneconnection port is suitable for retaining a suitable fiber opticconnector when the fiber optic connector is fully-seated within the atleast one connection port.
 55. The multiport of claim 20, furthercomprising a cover.
 56. The multiport of claim 20, further comprising abracket for the cover.